"THE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION"

I copied this from the email newsletter I get from my employer's health club.  They sometimes send out these motivational type emails about health and wellness. I thought the strategies were good. -- Tom

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It’s that time of year again and many of us have given some thought to that yearly tradition, "the New Year's Resolution". All of us have our own personal reasons for these resolutions. Reasons such as: spending more time with family and friends, fitness and being fit, quit smoking, enjoy life more, quit drinking, get out of debt, help others, and get organized. These are just a few of the many goals worthy of achieving. Our reasons for making these resolutions may include such things as: decreasing our chances of lung cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, improving our daily fitness and energy level, improving our chances of good health into retirement to enjoy our golden years and keep up with our grandchildren, eliminating a couple inches off our waist, improving our daily outlook on life or decreasing stressful situations.

As wellness specialists at your Inn Club, we know many of you will be setting goals related to fitness and wellness. Why not--the evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. We are here to assist you in achieving your healthy goals through the many wellness activities offered at the Inn Club.

Making a resolution is a great first step in the right direction toward health and wellness. The name " New Year's Resolution" comes from the fact that these commitments go into effect New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned. We would much rather see you fulfill your goals and stay focused than to lose interest and abandon your resolutions. When it comes to fitness goals, it becomes a matter of lifestyle modifications incorporated into your daily living that eventually become a normal and routine part of your daily life. This takes time and discipline but there are some things you can do to help stay on task, and once you begin to see results, the motivation to continue becomes even stronger.

Here are some strategies that will help you succeed in meeting and maintaining your goals:

Start Small… lose one pound a week not 20 pounds, or work out for 40 minutes three times a week not 2 hours seven times a week.

Get It On Paper… Whether setting your first goals, tracking daily progress, or sharing your deepest thoughts with a journal, write things down to crystallize your ideas.

Focus On Everyday Habits… The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle are forged in the smallest of actions you take every day and every week. Healthy choices can become as natural as brushing your teeth or locking the front door. Build one habit, one action at a time.

Always See Your Goals… Goals need attention. So surround yourself with as many reminders as possible.

Be Consistent… Consistent action, no matter how small, has more power than you ever imagined.

Never Stop Learning… A healthy lifestyle is a journey more than a destination. You can always learn more about nutrition, fitness, and even yourself that can help you just a little bit better tomorrow.

Come Out Of Seclusion… Most people receive some form of help from other people. Support, information, encouragement, advice, or a well timed pep talk to keep you on track.

Allow For Setbacks… Accept the fact that you will make mistakes, and that it can be a positive thing. We are usually harder on ourselves than anyone else we know. Be your own #1 fan. That means being supportive ( instead of critical ) when you stumble, and enjoy your wins (rather than ignoring your accomplishments ) when you succeed.

Trust Your Plan… You’ll have up weeks and down weeks, and frustrating weeks that make no sense at all. The tools and strategies you’re learning will help build a plan that makes a healthier lifestyle almost inevitable.

Have Fun… Who says getting healthy has to be a chore, a burden to be endured or suffered through. Probably a very unhappy person, that’s who. This is an exciting adventure of self-discovery and building a meaningful life. Enjoy the ride!!

Remember, success is not an accident, it begins with a well conceived plan. You can and will achieve more in the next year than you have in the last ten with a disciplined plan of action. By investing your efforts in your New Year's Resolutions, you give yourself a launch pad for starting your new year and your new life. Happy New Year!