RESOLUTIONS

With the new decade underway, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. If you’re like me, you are ready to rock 2020. Honestly, I’ve never made a resolution to begin the New Year, but I’ve resolved to make life changes several times in my life. I have given up pop, started daily jogging and workout routines, and have made other lifestyle changes, so I can relate to the New Year, New You motto.

After the birth of my third baby, I took a look at my body. I was extremely blessed to have not gained a lot of maternity weight, but I still didn’t look as toned and sculpted as a once had. I jogged or walked through my pregnancies, but weight training took a backseat while I grew my babies.

As much as I wanted to start lifting again, I needed a time effective program that I could do while my kids slept. So it must have been fate the day I noticed the DVD Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels at the Dollar Tree. The DVD was literally $1. At the time, I doubted I would see any results. I mean, there must be a reason the DVD was only a buck, but I added it into the cart.

I started the program that very night. It was tougher than I had anticipated, but that meant that it was working. After that initial workout, I devoted myself to following the four-week program. The rest as they say… is history. Over the next five years, I purchased five additional Jillian Michael’s workout DVDs. I alternate between them to keep some variety in my life. I do the workouts six days a week in my living rooms.

From my experience, these are some of the most useful tools to help you make and keep your resolutions.

Tip 1: Make an attainable resolution. I love chocolate. I eat it every night. I’m not going to give it up completely. If I were going to resolve to eat healthier, I might cut back on the sweets, but not give them up entirely.

Tip 2: Be stubborn. My stubbornness can be both a blessing and a curse. In the case of trying to make lasting changes, stubbornness is helpful. If I say I’m going to do something, I will do it. Two years ago my kids and I contracted the flu. I was in denial that I had it, but when my dad finally made me take my temperature, it was 103 degrees. He asked if I had worked out that morning, I assured him that I had. He shook his head as I reminded him that I don’t take days off. That’s probably extreme, but don’t make excuses. It’s too easy to get off track.

Tip 3: Make goals you have control over. I am an advocate for my students and my own children to have goals. Some of the most powerful goals are ones you can control. For example, if your goal is to lose five pounds and you don’t, you might feel like a failure and want to give up. If instead, your goal is to jog a mile three days a week, you have the control to make it happen.

Tip 4: Document the journey. It’s so powerful to have a way to visualize where you begin and where you go…I don’t say end there because resolutions are never complete. If I stop working out tomorrow, my results will be gone. But keeping a written or photo journal gives you a way to track your progress.

Tip 5: Be good to yourself. We all make mistakes, so if you slip up, don’t be too hard on yourself. Most of us are most critical of ourselves. So cut yourself some slack. And don’t give up after one slip up. That only makes the situation worse.

Tip 6: Share your resolution with someone. It’s always nice to have a teammate or a cheerleader. If the person you share with has a similar resolution, you can help keep each other accountable. If they don’t share your resolution, they can still listen and cheer you on from the sidelines.

Tip 7: Remember why you made the resolution. Resolutions are made to help us improve, so keep that in mind always. Your reason might be to be healthier, happier, or more content. Whatever your reason, remind yourself of it daily. Maybe have a picture or quote that you look at daily to help you refocus your energy on the purpose behind your resolution.

In whatever you resolve to change this year, I don’t wish you luck. Instead, I wish you the motivation and dedication to make it happen. Only you can change…and it’s the choices you make every day that will lead to success.

Stay tuned for my own workout plan coming soon!