The new year has begun and many people are setting resolutions, vowing to make changes for the better, and top among those are to get in shape. 'This is the year I lose weight' I hear every year from countless people. Gym memberships increase and finding room to workout at your local gym is as easy as merging into rush-hour traffic. Then February hits and it all goes back to normal. Why? Because resolutions are easy to make but tough to make a reality.
Most people don't set resolutions or make goals in such a way that allows them maximum chance of success. The success rate of a goal's success is dependent on how it is created. Like a building, the most important part of the structure and determinate of its longevity is its foundation. Here are some questions you need to honestly answer in order to create successful goals:
- Is this goal aligned with my values?
- Is this a fear goal? Was it set in haste or really thought through?
- Will I be happy when this goal is reached?
- What are the benefits of achieving/working toward this goal?
- What are the negatives of achieving/working toward this goal?
- What obstacles will I have to overcome to meet this goal or even work on this goal?
- Is this my goal or a goal from someone else I feel pressured to make?
With every life change there is positives and negatives. When it comes to getting healthier there are the simple obstacles such as the physical pain of the first few weeks of exercise or the schedule change, then their are the more difficult obstacles such as a spouse/significant other who doesn't want to change their diet or routine or who is jealous of your will power and determination. I have even seen a significant other begin to get jealous and feel inadequate once their counterpart begins to find new found confidence in their new body shape and overall health. This can cause many to give up, don't! Talk with your partner about it. It is much easier if you both are determined and engaged but even if it is only you explain how you need their support.
Make sure your goal is truly your goal and not a goal that someone else has told you to have. I have friends who are competitive bodybuilders and they have told me for years I should get into it, that my body shape is perfect for it and that I'm close to competing if I just cut. That is not my goal. I don't like to lift the way a bodybuilder must lift and I don't want/need the overdeveloped 'vanity' muscles. It is great they have that goal but for me it isn't right.
Project forward what your obstacles will be, make sure it is your goal, and see yourself having achieved your goal. Truly visualize yourself in your new body, feeling healthy, and being more confident. Are you happy? Are those around you happy? Honestly answer these questions before you set your goal and take daily steps toward it. There will be times you want to quit, trust me, but subscribe to this article for weekly reminders, workouts, and motivation; visualize how good you will look and feel once you complete your goal (actually before you achieve it because you will feel the results well before you see them) and if you need additional motivation or tips just email me at shawndross@gmail.com . Welcome to 2013, this is your year!
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