It's the New Year and everyone I know is making a New Year's resolution. Whether we formally use the word "resolution", or just call it our plan for the year, we are all setting goals we would like to accomplish in the next twelve months (hopefully sooner). Although noble in their intentions, most people don't attain their New Year's resolutions. It isn't from lack of trying, or poor will-power. It is simply because the resolutions themselves tend to be wishes instead of plans. Let's look at the more commonly heard Fitness Resolutions to figure out why people don't achieve them.
We'll likely hear the usual declarations around the dinner table; "I am going to exercise more," "I will eat healthier," or the ever popular "I will get back in shape." The problem with these is that they are vague. What does "exercising more" really mean? For someone who isn't exercising at all, working out twice in a year is exercising "more", yet what will that accomplish? In a similar sense, what does getting "back in shape" really mean? Getting in what shape? A circle is a shape, but I'm sure that's not what anyone has in mind. In essence, the first reason why people don't attain their New Year's goal is that the goal itself isn't clearly defined. It's really nothing more than a wish, and despite what Mr. Disney would have us believe, wishing won't make it so.
This year, make sure that your resolution is a concrete plan - something you can measure. Instead of wishing to "get back in shape" make a plan to lose 10 pounds, or go down 2 pants sizes. If your goal is something you can measure, then it's something you can plan for and track.
Some people do take a more precise approach and resolve to "eliminate junk food" or "exercise every day". Although these are things that we can easily measure, they are unrealistic. For many people this type of plan is too strict. What will happen the day you have to catch an early flight or stay late for a meeting? There has to be room for flexibility in your resolution. It should also be realistic. Someone that hasn't exercised in years should probably not choose to run a marathon in the spring. Set a goal that is within your reach. If you reach it sooner than expected that's great. It's better to reach your goal sooner and have to set a new one, than to set expectations too high and get discouraged in the process.
The last issue I want to talk about is to be wary of what I call the "half resolution". Things like "I will lose 10 pounds" or "I will participate in a charity marathon" are concrete, measurable, and attainable goals. However, a goal is the same as a wish if it is not accompanied by an action plan. A good resolution should include the word "by". That simple two letter word is perhaps the most powerful word in your resolution statement. It is the one that will give direction to your path by setting a plan of action. "I will lose 10 pounds by adding spin classes to my workout", or "I will run a charity marathon by joining a training program" are both much stronger ways of approaching the previously stated goals.
My resolution for this year? I have a couple, but mostly one that relates to my monthly article. I resolve to help you achieve your own goals by providing you with practical ideas to help you on your quest to become a fitter, healthier individual. I look forward to giving you tips and strategies on each of my articles that you can easily implement into your fitness program. My first tip: Write down your own resolution and make sure it is measurable, attainable, and that it includes the word "by".
