This Year I resolve To.........

Sorry for the delay in my postings, but I vow to you to at least post 2-3 times per week for the entire Boot Camp. Please feel free to give me some topics that you would like discussed and I will do my best to cover them either here on the blog or at Boot Camp!

Boy, I’m glad the holidays are over! Don’t get me wrong I like the holidays and spending time with my family, but since the holiday décor, holiday music, holiday themed catalogs, holiday sales, etc., began back in October it feels like the holidays last forever. By the time January rolls around I’m holidayed out and ready to get things back to normal.

In my line of work, January is a busy time for folks who want to get back into the habit of a healthy lifestyle, get into shape, and lose those few extra pounds they gained over the holidays. Now, I always say that there is never a better time than now (whenever that may be) to begin a new health and fitness program. But with New Year’s comes ‘New Years Resolutions’ and the additional drive for folks to make some changes.

Unfortunately, most New Years Resolutions are broken within the first week and more than half are completely forgotten about after January. Why is that we stop and give up on these well intended resolutions that are healthy and doable? Most people have no idea why they quit before they accomplish their resolutions. The rest said that they were not 100% committed to doing it, lacked self confidence, had poor planning, lacked time management, lacked energy, and lacked support.

How can you break this cycle this year and STICK TO your New Years Resolutions in 2009?

‘Resolve’ means to decide with determination and a fixed, firm purpose. So, if from the get-go you are not 100% committed to reaching your resolution (or goal) then it is not a resolution. It is simply a wish, a fantasy or an idea until you become completely committed.

Once you are committed, you want to create ‘S.M.A.R.T.’ resolutions or goals for yourself. Here’s the quick and easy formula to use anytime you are setting a resolution or goal:

· Specific - A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the six “W” questions—who, what, when, where, which, & why.

· Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as……How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

· Attainable - You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps.

· Realistic - To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

· Timely - A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? T can also stand for Tangible - A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing. When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.

Use this formula to create your resolutions and you’ll be better off in reaching them from the get-go. Remember to be patient, remind yourself each day of the commitment you’ve made to your goals, measure and track your progress often, and don’t be too hard on yourself, stick to it and you can achieve your resolutions this year.

To your health & happiness,

Ryan Schroeder