How to Get in the Best Physical and Mental Shape of Your Life this Year

Why do so many people set health goals in January only to have them fizzle out by February?

The truth is, 99% of effort (when it comes to most things in life–work, relationships, health) is wasted.

The secret is to find that 1% that works for YOU.

The big question: how do you do this?

It starts with discovering or identifying those healthy behaviors, actions, or efforts that you actually enjoy, and then GOING ALL IN on those behaviors.

When you do this, you create habits.

And habits are what lead to drastic, sustainable changes to your health.

For example, I realized about 15 years ago that I really enjoy cooking. So I went all in, buying cook books, searching for healthy recipes online, and experimenting with healthier versions of my favorite foods in the kitchen every day. Today, I still prepare almost every meal for my family, and it’s one of those “keystone habits” that has made an enormous difference.

You don’t have to make big changes overnight, because you’re setting yourself up for failure when you do that (case-in-point: all the new January gym-goers who slog through workouts they hate, only to stop going by March).

So long story short, instead of setting goals this year, cultivate new habits. I advise doing some self-reflection and answering these two questions:

1. What have I learned that works for me based on my past experience?
2. What have I learned doesn’t work for me? (Note: it’s amazing how often humans repeat the same mistakes over and over … if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten).

When you find those few things that you enjoy and work for you, invest in them. Just like money, compound interest is the “secret sauce” to big returns in the long-run when it comes to your health.

It’s OK (and encouraged) to start small. If you love cycling, invest in 5-10 minutes every other day. If meditation has worked for you in the past and you enjoy it, but you can’t seem to stick with it, then schedule just 2 minutes every day.

That’s how you create habits that stick and find your 1%.