First of all, I’m not a big fan of new year’s resolutions. I mean, if it’s important enough for you to resolve to change it, why wait until New Year’s? Is there something special about January 1st that makes it more important than other days? However, since I know a lot of people make resolutions this time of year, I figured I would try to help by giving a few tips on what to do and what not to do.
Have A Plan – Can’t empahsize this enough. If you don’t have a plan, you’re going to fail. You overall resolution may be “lose 30lbs”, which is fine, but you need to have a detailed plan on how to do this. Figure out how you’re going to change your eating habits, your exercise and your life and put it all in writing.
Have A REALISTIC Goal – Listen, if you’re 100lbs overweight, can’t move faster than a walk, haven’t been near a gym in 20 years and are short of breath after taking the groceries in from the car, you are NOT going to be running that triathlon in March. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but you need to be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. Remember, healthy weight loss is no more than 2lbs per week and probably closer to 1lb per week. If you’re completely out of shape, it’s going to take you months to change that. Pick a goal that’s realistic so you don’t end up disappointing yourself and quitting.
Get Help – There are A LOT of people out there right now trying to get in shape. Why not find one or even two of them and work on this together? I’m sure you can find a friend, family member or coworker with the same resolution. Get together and help each other out. Working on this kind of resolution together is great for motivation and will help you get over the hump.
Make It Public – The only reason to hide your resolution is because you’re afraid you might fail. How about making a public resolution instead? Knowing that the world is watching is great motivation for getting up and going to the gym. Post something on your facebook, MySpace or personal blog. Send out an email or just announce it next family dinner.
Don’t Be Discouraged – I know how it feels. You go to the gym and you try to lift something and fail. All the people around you are lifting 1000lbs with their finger and you can’t even lift the bar. Guess what, that’s all in your head. Most of the people in the gym around this time of year are just like you. They’re new and clueless. Also, the more experienced people are not laughing at you, nor do they look down on you. They’re just hoping you don’t hurt yourself or them doing something stupid. So use their experience and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
There you go, five quick tips to get your year off to a good start.
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No, I did not make any new years resolutions this year. When I see something in my life that I want to change, I start changing it then instead of waiting until January 1st. And yes, I realize that sounds a bit pompous and arrogant, but hey, that’s me! 
These are all great ideas. I think having a plan, as well as setting daily goals in accordance with that plan, is very important.
- Dave
Great advice! I made that very resolution this year and have already visited the gym several times. I haven’t noticed any weight loss (no surprise here) but after finally waking up those long forgotten muscles I must say I feel great
The most important in my eyes is #2- being realistic. So many people have completely crazy unattainable goals and get discouraged quickly.
Remember that it probably took years to accumulate the body fat – don’t expect it to melt away in a month!
Love the “Make It Public.” There’s nothing like the pressure of knowing your friends and family will be aware of your failure to keep you motivated. Even if they don’t say anything, the pressure is very real.