It’s crunch time…how ya doing? Did you make the last 4 weeks work in your favor? Or did it all just get to be too much and you are ready to start things fresh on January 1st? Either way, how can you make a resolution that sticks?
You would think I would be a big fan of New Years Resolutions, but they drive me nuts. People set huge goals and create no plan which sets them up for failure. I am in the success business—what goal can you create that is achievable and sustainable?
Step One: Find your inner motivation.
New Years resolutions are usually, “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I want to look smoking hot in that dress” or “I want to lose my gut”—while these all may be true they are not very motivating. What do you really want? What can you say to yourself to truly motivate yourself?
“I want to lose this baby weight so I can be strong and fit to play with my kids”
“I want to live the life I know I am capable of. I used to be a great skier. I want to lose weight and build strength so I can ski with my buddies.”
“I want to lose my gut so I can tie my shoes with ease and the pain in my back will go away”
“I want my heart to be strong for a long time—I want to eat in a way that keeps my cholesterol and blood sugar in the normal ranges.“
These are motivating! This keeps you on track.
Step Two: Create a plan.
Figure out what you need to do to make it work.
Are you a member of a health club but it is not convenient? Find a club or studio that works. There is something for everyone!
Are you wanting to cook more but dont know where to start? Find one recipe online and make it on a Sunday night. See how many days it lasts for leftovers and you will see how easy it is.
Are you trying to eat better but dont have the willpower? Forget willpower and chose ONE habit that you want to try. Eat less processed foods, start eating breakfast, eat more vegetables or drink less alcohol–chose one and see how it goes. When you choose one goal at a time you can actually achieve success!
Are you wanting to be a morning workout person? Make it happen. Pack your clothes the night before, get into bed earlier and let your family and work get used to your adjusted schedule.
Are you wanting to try a new class but are scared? Go for it! Seriously, who cares? Just have fun and roll with it. My boxing teacher laughs in my face on a regular basis because I am so bad—I laugh back at him because I am loving the workout! Go to a cooking class, a cool lecture, a bootcamp, water aerobics or karate class–just do it and have fun!
Step Three: Stay focused on the prize.
There will always be something that stands in the way. Always. An injury, a schedule change, a bad nights sleep, in a funk, a big night out—it’s all good. Just start the next day focused on what you want and you will keep moving forward.
Cannot wait to see what fun we will have in 2012! Happy new year!!!