Successful resolutions

As a new year and a new decade dawn many people are making resolutions to change some aspect of their lives. Unfortunately most new year resolutions are never achieved. Resolutions typically fail because they are unmeasurable aspirational goals or because a realistic plan has not been put in place to attain the desired goal.

Take for example the many people who will resolve to lose weight or get in shape in the new year. The difference between the person who says they are going to get in shape and the person who actually does get in shape is that the person who actually gets in shape has set a more measurable goal and they have developed a realistic plan that they can follow.

If you want to get in shape first start with a more definable goal. Start with a goal to increase your overall level of activity. Commit to going to the gym three times a week and then put a plan in place to make that goal attainable. First schedule your gym time. Set aside three, two-hour blocks of time on your calendar each week. A two-hour block should allow enough time to drive to the gym, work out and drive back to home or work. If the morning is going to be your gym time pack your bag the night before and make sure you go to bed early enough. The key point is you have to plan for more than just the workout. You must plan for all of the incidental activities that are necessary to make your workout a success.

Second, make your workouts realistic based on your current health and level of physical activity. If you haven't competed in sports since high school you can't begin where you left off back then, you must begin where you are now (if it has been more than a year since you graduated, this means you). If you want to become a runner you have to start with walking. By setting realistic goals based on your current level of health and activity, you will be able to celebrate successes instead of mourning defeats, and that will motivate you to keep going.

The workout example is easy to pick on because it is such a common new year's resolution, but these steps can be applied to any resolution. First make sure your goal is attainable and measurable, and second put a realistic and comprehensive plan in place to meet it. Happy New Year!