What I Think about New Year's Resolutions

In the last year or so I've seen a number of articles shunning New Year's resolutions, citing statistics on how few people actually stick with them after the first few months. Some say that New Year's resolutions are nothing but rituals and ultimately don't effect any change in our lives, therefore we should stop making them.   

I can understand where they're coming from.  After all in my profession it's common knowledge that January brings a spike in the number of fitness commitments and health club memberships that, by March, dwindles back down to what it was the year before.  But, I still don't think that New Year's resolutions are worthless. 

Resolution: the formal expression of an intention. 

Ergo: The New Year's resolution, like any resolution, is one of the first steps towards getting what we want.  

Successful people and businesses alike know the secret to reaching a goal is repeating the following 5 steps repeatedly until we reach the target:

1. Make a goal: Bring it to life by writing it down and telling people about it
2. Assess the current situation: Measurements are helpful when possible
3. Plan the action steps: Small steps with a time line works best
4. Perform the action steps: Small steps with a time line works best
5. Reassess: See if the plan is working and make adjustments if necessary

Do we have to create our goals in January?  Of course not.  But, January is a wonderful time to tie goals and plans into the rituals of the season.  Making resolutions at the dawn of the New Year among friends, family and celebrations, can make the process even sweeter.  Memories of these can motivate us to keep up our efforts even after the season is over.  

I have a wonderful New Year's ritual.  I do it every January - also in April, July, and October.  It can make your planning and dreaming even richer, more meaningful, and more likely to become a reality. Try it if you like:

New Year's Resolution Ritual:

Give yourself 20-30 minutes to sit down and write. There's something special about writing goals.  It signifies bringing your ideas out of your head and into real life.  It also helps you to remember them.

Sit in a spot that makes you feel good and inspires creativity and positive feelings.  Prepare yourself with pen and paper, a hot or cold drink, or anything else that might make you feel cozy and bring out your creative spirit. 

Write the answers to the following:

1. What are you looking to be, have and do in the next year (think about all  aspects of your life- work, health, family, other relationships, finance, fun, etc) Allow yourself to dream a little. 
2. Where are you now in relation to these goals? (Any concrete measurement here is good). 
3. For each of these areas, what can you do in January to move towards your goals and dreams?  February? March? Plan as far out into the future as you feel comfortable.  Make each action step small and something that you feel is attainable.   
4. What are some things that you do or have now, that can further you towards your goals (I.e.: A gym downstairs; a buddy that wants to exercise with you)?
5. Are there things you're currently doing that might be detrimental to your goals (I.e.: don't get enough sleep, don't have healthy food in the refrigerator)? What are some small ways you can make changes here?
6. Who are some people in your life that can support you in moving towards your goals? How can you get support from more people?

Doing this exercise with a good friend can be even more satisfying and enriching.  You can encourage each other, swap ideas, and be accountable to each other when you start to move forward.  

Resolutions are a great ritual that can turn dreams into something real.  Don't get rid of them, make them work for you!  Once you've made them, start taking action right away.  Make some quick steps forward, and then reassess your plan to make it work better.  I want you to really get what you want this year!  

If you have fitness, weight loss, or better health habits on your list of resolutions for 2012 

this is for you:  

My Mind Body Blast e-course  is gearing up to start again on January 16th.

This course sets my students apart from the millions of others with the same goals because, when they participate they make progress right away!  In just 6 weeks:

• I help you to assess your current situation and make goals accordingly
• I guide you in taking small steps towards your goals
• There are plenty of ways to get support from me and your peers
• There are no fad diets or crazy exercise plans
• It's all about getting healthy in a way that fits your life and your preferences

We create healthy habits that really last.  Lots of people have had great results. If this is something you're interested in, you can get great results too!  Read about them here. 

Since you're one of my readers -  if you register for the course starting January 19th you can get it for last year's price, $169 - even though the 2012 price is $250.  Use the code: FitInRealLife when you register.

This offer is only for the class starting January 19th.  So go on over there and check it out: Mind Body Blast.  

Alumni still re-register for $99.  Just type in the code MBBAlum.

If you're on the fence, don't worry.  If you fully participated in the course with nutrition, exercise and all of the other offerings and don't feel you've gotten any value out of it, I'll give you your money back.  There's nothing to lose - but a little extra weight!

Go now - Don't wait!  Mind Body Blast!