Happy New Year! This past week I’ve had an opportunity to reflect on my life over the past year and have recognized how truly fortunate I am. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a fun business to work in each day, and I get to spend our time with great people like you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your friendship and support in 2007…I look forward to growing our friendship and supporting your health and weight goals even more in 2008.
And speaking of 2008…With every turn of a new year many of us set resolutions in a spirit of creating a positive new habit or ending an old, potentially harmful one. And most resolutions center on enhancing health, losing weight or improving fitness. Although success in creating a new lifestyle habit is absolutely possible, many resolutions are abandoned well before the goal is achieved.
And as you already know, regular exercise and consuming quality nutrition offers unlimited benefits – improved sleep and relaxation, reduction in stress, elevated mood, better performance during work and play, enhanced self confidence, increased energy and enthusiasm for life, weight management and a general sense of well being. All it takes is getting started and being consistent, then often a positive momentum takes over.
So today, I offer the 3 critical steps that, in my experience, determines the long term success of implementing a new fitness lifestyle or resolution. 1. Use the power of “WHY?” Unless you know “Why?” you desire to embark upon a new habit of exercising and eating right, it is too easy to quit once the “voices” inside your head begin to tell you that you can’t. Write down and embellish on your top 3 reasons why YOU want to get fit, improve your health, energy and vitality. Review your reasons every day to remind yourself of the powerful reasons you’re enhancing your lifestyle.
2. Set realistic goals! The common mentality, especially when it comes to fitness and weight loss, seems to be “all or nothing”. Instead of saying I’m going to lose 10 kilos in 14 days, set obtainable goals. Authorities agree that 1/2 to 1 kg is all someone can permanently lose in a week. Aim for 3-4kg per month and you won’t set yourself up for failure.
3. Make it Fun! Let’s face it, if we hate the fitness or weight loss program we’re on we just won’t stick to it, no matter how hard we try. Find a program that you enjoy – there are unlimited options out there. If you enjoy the social aspect of exercise, then join a group program such as a boot camp. If you enjoy playing sports, find an adult sports league. If you like hiking, join a hiking group. Remember what it was like to be a kid – you could ride your bicycle 6 km round trip to your favorite playground or run around with your best friend all day long. Act like a kid with your fitness, find something you enjoy and the benefits will follow!
Write down your reasons WHY you want to get fit, set goals that are achievable and make sure you find a fitness routine that is fun! When you follow these keys, success in achieving your 2008 fitness resolution becomes significantly greater.