(This is a reprint of the feature article I wrote in the most recent issue of my ‘Get Fit’ Newsletter. I felt the message was so important, that I decided to post it here too.)
New Year’s day…it never fails to evoke feelings of hope and renewal, but is it really a trap? You’ve been handed a proverbial clean slate – another chance to shrug off your bad habits and reach for your dreams.
In an attempt to bottle that New Year’s vigor, you’ll make a few New Year’s Resolutions. But before you put pen to paper, you ought to know this:
Did you know that 92 % of all New Year’s Resolutions end in failure? That means that less than 1 out of every 10 people will be successful at accomplishing their resolutions in 2009.
Ouch! Those statistics are brutal.
Who in their right mind would take the time to make resolutions when failure is that imminent?
As your trusted source for fitness advice, I’d like to coach you though this sticky situation. Yes, most people fail to achieve their New Year’s Resolutions. However, I am going to clue you in on what the 92% do wrong and teach you what the 8% who succeed do right.
First up, the 92% who FAILED.
These well meaning folks shared a common mistake that put the nail in their coffin before they’d even begun…they bit off more than they could chew.
In all the excitement of becoming a better person and changing their life in the New Year they made the crucial mistake of committing to do too much. But reality set in, a few weeks or even days into their reformed life…and they gave up.
The 92% gave themselves an easy way out. They approached their resolution with an ‘all or nothing’ attitude. Once the ‘all’ became too much…they opted for ‘nothing’!
And just like that, another resolution ended in failure – end of story.
Let’s examine the 8% who SUCCEEDThe key to their success is quite simple. You may have even guessed it by now - they set realistic goals.
I’ll repeat that… they set REALISTIC goals.
- Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds by June…they commit to exercise 2-3 times each week.
- Instead of resolving to give up all carbs…they commit to bring healthy snacks to work instead eating from the vending machine.
- Instead of resolving to drop 3 sizes in 3 months…they commit to losing 1 pound each week until they reach their desired size.
- Instead of resolving to never eat out again…they commit to eating healthy all week and rewarding themselves with one meal out on the weekends.
Did you notice the difference?
If you want your resolution to stick…think of something SIMPLE and REALISTIC.
Sure, it certainly won’t sound as cool as the resolutions that the 92% make – but those people aren’t going to keep their resolutions anyway!
Remember…
The whole point of making a New Year’s Resolution is to become a healthier, happier and more successful person, right?
So here’s the KEY to your success => Small changes, done consistently, will make a BIG difference!
Now repeat that 3 times so it sinks in!
Small changes, done consistently, will make a BIG difference…Small changes, done consistently, will make a BIG difference…Small changes, done consistently, will make a BIG difference.
Got it? Now get out there and DO IT!
Your Fitness Coach,
Fernando Paredes, CPT, NASM, NSCA
Buck’s County’s #1 Fitness and Performance Coach
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Looking to Make 2009 Your Fittest Year Ever?
If your New Year’s Resolution has to do with losing weight and/or getting into great shape (and whose isn’t?) then guarantee your success by working with a fitness expert who can show you the ropes and guide you to success.
I’d love to team up with you - Together we will transform your body in 2009!
Be part of the 8% that succeeds! Call or email to schedule your FREE 30-minute Consultation and get started TODAY!
Fusion Fitness Studio
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