It's that time again - To make a resolution to improve your health, both mental and physical, and to achieve your dance and fitness goals. Some may find it difficult to set a goal as they want to explore lots of different activities and class types, while others may doubt their ability to follow through on any grand plans they may hope to set out. Whatever your hesitations or doubts about setting a resolution, we've compiled a list of possible resolutions for you to adopt for this new year, so that you can start your dance and fitness routine off on the right foot!

Resolution: To go into all my classes with a clear head and open heart

This is a general resolution applicable for any and all types of dance and fitness, and is attainable by individuals of every lesson. It focuses less on specific achievements, and more about achieving a positive and healthy mindset towards one's practice and body.

To go into a class with a clear mind, you need to practice actively letting go off everything else that happened before you arrived for dance/fitness. Whether its a bad day at work, you missed your bus, or some other unfortunate mishap, you don't let that bother you or cloud your thoughts. You take your dance and fitness classes a clean slate - an opportunity for you to reset your day.

An open heart requires you to be receptive to your instructors, those around you, and the experience you're about to enjoy. You welcome new lessons, constructive critiques and positive energy into your practice. With both a clear mind and an open heart, you'll find yourself enjoying your classes more, and there's a high probability you'll be learning a lot more to,

Resolution: To stop saying "I can't", and to replace it "I am working towards"

This resolution aims to re-shift your focus from your limitations to your progress. many times we often focus on our weaknesses instead of our strengths or our journeys, and this resolution, which can be applied to both short and long term goals, aims to help us refocus our priorities. Instead of getting caught up on the things we can't do (e.g. "I can't do a split"), it turns our current shortcomings into future opportunities to grow (e.g. "I am working towards my splits"). By constantly reminding ourself that we are growing, working and improving, we set up a positive environment that allows us to make progress towards what we think may be unachievable.

Even if the eventual end goal takes more time than you expect to achieve it, at the very least this resolution will help you appreciate your efforts more. Dance and Fitness is a continuous journey, and the more you're able to keep looking forward and to be kinder to yourself for your shortcomings, the more likely you'll find steady and constant long term growth (as compared to sporadic and inconsistent short term improvements).

Resolution: To appreciate the people who improve my experiences, and to cut out the people who belittle them

Surrounding yourself with understanding and supportive people will make your dance and fitness journey even more enjoyable, and it is important that you take stock of these people and appreciate them. Appreciation can be both internal and external. Internal appreciation is when you, as an individual, recognise how another has made your experience better. Maybe they gave you support through a rough time, or maybe they provided honest and constructive criticisms that they thought would help make you better. Whatever the case, when you find an individual who improves your experience, acknowledge this to yourself, and ensure you continue to enjoy and share your journey with them. External appreciation is when you let them know how they've helped you. Thank your instructor for a great class, have a chit chat and compliment your class mate who always cheers you on - there are lots of little ways to show appreciation, and when you do, it contributes to the overall positivity of the studio and environment.

At the same time, it is also important to recognise if someone is creating a negative space for your practice. Over time, this prolonged negativity can become toxic. It might be a "friend" who feigns support and constantly puts a damper on your excitement unnecessarily, or an instructor who does not respect your physical and emotional boundaries. In this case, you need to decide if they are worth keeping in your dance and fitness life, or if it is time to ease them out. You can take small steps - looking around for other instructors, choosing to work with new people. The important thing is you recognise when someone is no longer bringing joy into your practice, and ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your dance and fitness space a safe and productive one.