I read that last night and it got me to thinking. I knew I wasn’t going to write a blog post about setting New Year’s Resolutions. Those are everywhere and each person sets their own and, unfortunately, if it is to lose weight or get healthy, tend to fall by the wayside. I think this happens because those are very vague goals without a way to actually make the goal happen. I think this statement hit the nail on the head and makes a lot of sense.
This year I am not making any set New Year’s Resolutions. In the past I have. For example, last year I set out to work on my posture. I made it my goal to stop slumping, and everyone in my classes had to hear about it. Unfortunately for them, I made it my own goal for them, also! I continue to work on this daily. Before last year I have had the resolution to become more patient. I strive for patience in all areas: my children, the husband, my mother, traffic, salespersons, my computer, you name it. I continue to work on this daily. I have had the resolution to have an active and healthy lifestyle. This means exercising, eating healthy, limiting the sweets from my sweet tooth. I continue to work on this daily. You probably see where I am going here.
I am the type of person with several “self help” books by my bedside. (The husband really pokes fun at me because of this, but in my defense, at least I’m trying!) I get up every morning and think about trying to do better and be better. I think I subconsciencly make New Year’s Resolutions on a daily basis. I’ve talked several times in the past few months about Happiness and Joy. I am aiming to make 2013 the year of JOY. I’ve always thought it was such a great word. It is all encompassing. To me, it’s even bigger and better than Happiness. I want to find my JOY again in 2013. In order to make this more than a wish, as the slogan above says, I’m working on the plan to make sure I find some JOY in each and every day. This is also my way of making 2013 much better than 2012, and 2011 for that matter. (The past two years have been pretty crappy due to family illness and deaths). So, there you have it. Bring on a New Year and bring on the JOY!
Since this IS a “Healthy Living” Blog I think I would be a bit impossible to not have health related goals for the new year. I DO have some fitness challenges in mind for 2013, as well as some business and work-related goals. I think it will be easier for these to come and will be more enjoyable, by getting back to the JOY that brought all this about in the first place!
In order for those of you out there reading this who do want to put more activity into your routine this New Year and do NOT want to be in the percentages of those who give it up too quickly, I offer this little bit of advice:
*Never skip your Warm Up or Cool Down! You will only end up increasing your chances of injuries or aches.
*Let your body be your guide. If you are just getting off of the couch after a long break from exercising, START SLOW. Those who begin all “gung ho”, expecting to slide right into a routine of running 5 miles, end up sore, exhausted and frustrated. Begin with a walk and gradually increase your distance and pace.
*Ramp up the intensity gradually. You may be reading all the “good for you” hype about the benefits of high intensity exercise. Begin with one per week and listen to your body and how it responds. Increase the frequency gradually.
*Remember that something is better than nothing. A two minute run is better than no run at all. Any movement is better than sitting on the couch!
* You can’t out train a poor diet. Exercise isn’t everything! What you are putting into your body is even more important than how you are exercising your body! I normally live by a 80/20 rule. (80% clean diet with 20% fun diet) However, if I am trying to lose a few and if you are over 40, like me, my rule changes to 90/10. It then becomes 90% diet. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
Whatever your goals, intentions or resolutions may be for the new year, I hope you make a plan. I hope you stick with them and not let setbacks get you down. I’d love to hear about them and cheer you on. I’ll keep reading my self-help books, reminding myself to check my posture and work on being patient, as well as find my JOY.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
photo credit: http://blog.octoroz.com/sharecare/sharecare-top-5-make-your-resolutions-stick
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