The New Year is here again. Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?
Well, if you’re like most Americans (88 percent in 2001
according to a GNC poll), you have at least one resolution. And,
if you are like the majority of these promise-makers, your resolution
is probably related to health and fitness. In 2001 (according
to GNC), 55 percent promised to eat healthier, 50 percent resolved
to exercise more, and 38 percent wanted to lose weight...
While resolutions are well-intentioned, unfortunately most people
fail at keeping them. With all the hype surrounding these promises,
it’s easy to get caught up in the hype without really taking
them seriously.
We live in a throw-away society and even our resolutions, I’m
afraid, are not immune. However, especially for promises that
include improving our health, it’s in our best interest
not to take them lightly.
So, what’s the secret to successful resolutions? While
you can’t wave a magic wand and make your resolution come
true, there are some easy steps to take that will make it easier
to fulfill your promise to yourself.
· Choose an obtainable goal. Resolving to look like a
super model is not realistic for the majority of us, but promising
to include daily physical activity in our lives is very possible.
· Avoid choosing a resolution that you’ve been
unsuccessful at achieving year after year. This will only set
you up for failure, frustration and disappointment. If you are
still tempted to make a promise that you’ve made before,
then try altering it. For example, instead of stating that you
are going to lose 30 pounds, try promising to eat healthier and
increase your weekly exercise.
· Create a game plan. At the beginning of January, write
a comprehensive plan. All successful businesses start with a business
plan that describes their mission and specifics on how they will
achieve it. Write your own personal plan and you’ll be more
likely to succeed as well.