In 2024, you should strive for the best, and that means being consistent with your health and professional goals! Consistency is the key to success. When it comes to goals, you cannot maintain them unless you strive for sustainable actions you can keep up for longer than the month of January.
I find that when I keep up with my health and fitness, I am more consistent with my professional goals. When I strive for consistency instead of perfection, I can achieve more. Whether you are a full-time student or working a full-time job, I have you covered.
Here are 15 ways to stay consistent with your health and professional goals in 2024!
1) Write in a planner and schedule your workouts ahead of time
When you are aiming for consistency and striving for your professional goals, keeping up with your calendar will help you stay on top of everything. Find a good, reliable planner here.
I like to schedule my workout days ahead of time to ensure that I have the time to get to the gym. This past semester, I went to the gym 4 days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some weeks it changed, but scheduling my workouts kept me accountable, even during final exams! Writing in a planner makes tackling your goals easier.
Check out this post for more tips on how to stay consistent with your workouts with a full time job!
2) Plan your meals ahead of time
Just like planning your workouts, planning your meals ahead of time will make it easier to keep up with a healthy diet. I have a list of my favorite meals on hand. A few times a week, I make enough to last me a few days. I used to meal prep for the entire week, but now I tend to be more flexible with my meal planning. Find what makes you the most consistent by planning your meals ahead of time!
3) Listen to your body
Listen to your body, especially when you are tired and in need of rest. Taking time to care for your needs will help you stay consistent in the long-term.
4) Create a list of alternative workouts to keep yourself interested
My workouts consist of weightlifting and walking. But, that can get boring sometimes. If you get bored of your workouts, it can make it harder to stay consistent. Sometimes, school or work can be stressful, and you need some variety or fun. Find some other options that can help keep you active when your normal routine isn’t working for you one week.
Sample workout list:
- weightlifting
- zumba
- swimming
- hiking
- pilates
5) Keep variety in your diet
Just like your workouts can get boring or uninteresting, your diet can, too. Eating a healthy diet can be difficult, especially if you eat the same thing every day. Adding variety can help keep you consistent when you need to most.
6) Enjoy a few cheat meals or treats
Cheat meals and treats can help curb your cravings. Too much restriction can make consistency difficult when it comes to diet. Enjoy your favorite foods once in a while, and you will find that it is easier to stay on track with your personalized diet.
7) Prioritize sleep
As I get older, I have found that I cherish sleep more and more each day. Sleep has been the only thing that has gotten me through law school! Find a minimum number of hours you know you need and stick to it. My minimum is 7 hours because sometimes it is not feasible to get 8-9 hours, while 6 hours always leaves me feeling sleep deprived. Sleep is important, and prioritizing it will help you stick to and stay consistent with your health and professional goals year-round.
8) Take breaks from school, work, and the gym
Sometimes the key to consistency is taking breaks. We all need breaks. It can help you refresh your mind and body, leaving you ready to tackle it all the next day. If you are having a hard time sticking to your goals, give yourself a break before pushing forward again.
9) Set a reasonable step goal
For those of us who have a desk job or are a student, we sit a lot. As a students, office worker, or members of society in general, chances are you sit a lot. Find ways to get steps in your day more often. I set a daily goal for myself. I found that shooting for 10,000 steps is too unrealistic for me, but 6,000-7,500 is a pretty good sweet spot for me. To be honest, anything over 5,000 steps is a great day for me!
Set a realistic step goal. It will help you stay active on a daily basis, clear your head, and help you burn calories along the way.
10) Change your work environment
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery! If you are able to leave the library or office, head to a coffee shop, library, or any other comfortable environment to work in when you are feeling a lack of motivation.
11) Call a family member or friend when you feel down
Talking with a trusted loved one can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. A little encouragement or stress relief can go a long way.
12) Find an accountability buddy
Accountability buddies can be great ways to keep yourself on track, both health-wise and professionally. They can help encourage you and act as an outlet when things get tough.
When I worked a full-time job before law school, my accountability buddy was always my best friend and one of my close coworkers. My accountability buddy for my health goals has been my boyfriend because he started training in the gym last year.
At school, I started studying with a classmate I enjoy being around. It really makes a difference to build a support system. And, it doesn’t even need to be too elaborate or too much commitment.
13) Pack your gym clothes before school or work, or set them out on the days you plan to workout
I even often wear them to school because law school generally doesn’t have a specific dress code. Obviously, when you are working in a professional environment, that is not realistic. Find a morning routine that works for you and keeps you on track.
14) Write your goals somewhere accessible
This can be your bedroom wall, phone or computer screen saver, bathroom mirror, fridge, etc. Personally, I just love a reliable physical planner.
15) Follow a planned list at the grocery store
This has helped me a TON because I am a major foodie. I get to the store and get distracted. Having a list to follow keeps me from buying unnecessary foods or snacks and keeps me on track with the diet I have planned for myself. Especially as a student, it also helps keep you within a budget!
