It seems every year around this time people are making, and
breaking New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you can include yourself in the
‘making resolutions’ group. If so, you’re probably also in the ‘breaking
resolutions’ group. Why do we always seem to find ourselves in the latter
group? We set high expectations and we usually are very sincere, but then
things go askew. I mean most of us have valid and realistic goals such as lose
weight, exercise, reduce stress, stop smoking, etc. but then what? We stand
firm for a few days or weeks and then, disaster. Why is that?
It’s not for a lack of trying as most of us are really sincere
and try real hard, but we still fail anyway and we wonder why. We spent good
money on that diet book, or that exercise video. We really intended to start
taking that exercise or meditation class with a firm commitment, but somehow our
schedule just seemed to get in the way. However, what we don’t realize is that
we continue to go about all these the wrong way.
We usually don’t have a plan and we attempt to change, in a
matter of days, habits that have been in place for years. We search for the
quick fix and wonder why we seem to be making the same resolutions every year.
Does this sound like you? Yes? Then let’s get off the merry go round.
First, why do we wait until New Years to make a resolution? If
you see something you want to change, then resolve to fix it right then and
there. Don’t wait! Second, let’s have a plan. How do you intend to accomplish
your goal? What steps do you need to take today, tomorrow, next week, next
month, next year etc?
We need to realize that any worthwhile goal takes time. Let’s
look at weight loss for example. Most people today want to lose weight. So
much so in fact, that weight loss is a multi-billion dollar industry. Haven’t
you wondered why there seems to be a new weight loss product or a new diet book
coming out every month? We want to lose this weight quickly and we’re willing
to pay for it. Never mind that we didn’t gain this weight overnight, but we
sure want to lose it overnight.
What we need is an understanding of balance, both physically and
mentally. For instance, we should eat a sensible diet, get moderate exercise–
consisting of cardio training, strength training and flexibility training– and
get some exercise for our mind– so that we learn how to deal with stress.
Sensible diets last much longer and place less stress on our
body than fad diets. Moderate and balanced exercise is much easier to accomplish
than some Spartan training regimen that is both unnecessary and taxing. A
balanced exercise program also allows us to gain muscle, lose fat, and increase
flexibility and range of motion, all of which improve our quality of life.
Finally, learning how to reduce stress will not only make us feel better, it
will help keep the pounds off too.
With a little research, a little patience, and a well thought
out plan you can achieve balance and accomplish all your goals and resolutions
regardless of when you make them. And, several months from now you will be
enjoying the rewards of your success instead of the agony of your defeat. As
you work towards your goals keep this one final thought in mind: success is a
journey, not a destination.
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