Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions Alive

As the new year quickly approaches, we find it that time to commit to change in the new year. Some chose to stop smoking, cut back on drinking, save extra money, finish their education, lose weight or pile on muscle. The new year resolution pattern is typically off to a great start and thirty days later, the resolutions are just a memory combined with excuses. Forget what did or did not happen in 2014, what you put off and did not accomplish. 2015 is upon you and I want to help you set goals, establish obtainable goals, and SUCCEED.

#5- Set Goals for Yourself

When it comes to training, making change and going outside of our comfort zones, sometimes we find it easier having someone to do it with. Having support and a partner is great but can be short lived. If you set your goal with a partner and their determination fades, then yours will likely do the same. Do not allow your successes to be dependent upon someone else. SET YOUR GOALS FOR YOU and follow through regardless of your partners fading efforts. Example, signing up for buddy training programs is very motivating, encouraging and likely to keep you on track. Now, thirty days has passed and your partner is too busy, tired or disinterested to continue. Where does this leave you? BE STRONGER THAN YOUR EXCUSES AND STAY COMMITTED TO YOU GOALS.

#4- Keep It Fun and Rewarding

Did you know the main reason people do not stick to their nutrition and training programs is because of their lack of interest. The food is too bland or the training is too difficult and intricate. Let's get back to having fun. Find activities that are fun. Lifting weights may not be your thing, then try plyometric training. You do not enjoy the indoors, then break out the bike or jog around the neighborhood. Set reward dates for accomplishing your goals. If you enjoy a certain desert, allow that to be your reward for being consistent with your weekly nutrition. Do not fall victim to having a reward day, make it a REWARD MEAL. Choosing to have one item or one meal as a reward, instead of an entire day increasing your calorie intake. This approach will keep you on track and remove the feeling of regret after the meal.

#3- Set Realistic Goals

This is major. We all have our big picture goals and timeframes that we want them achieved. Slow down, make a plan and set small goals. Don't allow the big goal to overshadow how your going to accomplish the small goals. Reducing weight by two pounds a week is very realistic. Two pounds a week will add up to the forty pounds that your striving for. Think of it this way, building a house starts with creating the foundation, building he walls and reinforcements, then the roof. Soon after that, you will have your house. The same principles apply with goals. The small goals will get you there. They are your instant gratification for your hard work. Remember, SUCCESS IS ALL THE SMALL THINGS DONE WELL OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

#2- Eat Smart

Let 2015 be the year you become smart about what you put in your body. Do not fall victim to the fads, get slim quick shams, products and programs that sell half truths. Fine print always reads, "RESULTS NOT TYPICAL" and "WITH REGULAR DIET AND EXERCISE". So if regular diet and exercise are key factors for the products and programs then why not make them the primary factors for your success. Eating smart does not mean buy everything that has "Fat Free", "Reduced Fat", "Zero Calories", etc. on its label. Those are products you should be weary of. They are likely a chemical death trap that is useless to the body. Let us keep it simple. Eat clean, fresh foods. Start cooking again. Steer clear of the already prepared and frozen foods. Consistently eating well, will get your further than eating the advertised low fat foods or trying the latest advertised diet.

#1- Create the Habit

This is the most important tip and approach you can take for being successful with your 2015 resolutions. Seeing others accomplishing goals and having our own goals is what motivates us. The issue with motivation is if it is not renewed, then it will fade along with our efforts to succeed. Creating habits will keep you in the game when the motivation is gone. Habit is the day-to-day grind that will bring the rewards, week after week. Set yourself up for success by establishing a routine. Routines develope into habits that are done without thinking and eventually becomes part of "YOUR LIFESTYLE". Making habits with your nutrition, exercise, rewards and discipline will rocket you to success in 2015.

The 2015 year is days away and it is time to become serious about making change. These five tips will enable you to set the wheel of success into motion. Add them to your tools of success and achieve the 2015 goals that were elusive in 2014.