Sticking With It! Your New Years Fitness Resolution

Lose a pound, gain a pound, get in shape for summer, get out of shape during the holiday rush... life seems to be full of ups and downs when it comes to health and fitness, which is why the ‘New Year’ is known for making ‘New You’ resolutions.  Have you ever felt that the best New Years resolution is not to make another resolution?  Well, before you give up on a good idea lets look at what makes a fitness resolution really work and how to stick with it long enough to see lasting results.

Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution

A New Years resolution is nothing more than a calendar-based personal goal, which means you need to approach it with some classic goal setting strategies...  In summary that includes selecting a goal that is meaningful, measurable and manageable (see previous article on setting fitness goals).  Beyond this it comes down to a bit of self-psychology, most importantly the ‘law of self control’.  It is widely accepted by psychologists, that the more in control we are of our thoughts, attitudes and actions the better we feel about ourselves.  

This involves an ‘internal locus of control’, or sense that we are making the right decisions for ourselves based on our personal desires and beliefs.  Verses an ‘external locus of control’, where we feel as though someone else is controlling our lives and directing our life decisions (Rotter, J.B. (1954). Social learning and clinical psychology. New York: Prentice-Hall). 

Choose Realistic Goals

By choosing a fitness resolution that ‘you’ feel good about and ‘in control’ of, you are on the way to making a positive change in not only your body but also your way of thinking. Adherence to your fitness resolution will create and reinforce your feeling of power over your life.  This leads to positive self-esteem and better end results.  These feelings are the glue that can keep you motivated to reach any goal related to of a healthier, happier lifestyle.  Once you can internalize your New Years resolution by linking it to motivations that come from within (e.g. feeling good, being your best and finding pleasure in the process), you will never have to worry about breaking it again!   

Try a few of the following self-control tips when approaching this year's Fitness Resolution:

1. Meditate on it: take time to think about what you want everyday and see yourself having it.
2. Write it down: put your resolution in writing and leave reminder notes in places you will see on a regular basis (e.g. your refrigerator or computer desk).
3. Stay positive: attitude can make or break your plan so keep your thoughts positive and expect some backsliding (e.g. a vacation or food filled party).  See these slips as temporary detours and get right back on your positive path.

While you are at it don’t forget to take in plenty of liquid nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, liquid calcium and vitamin D for joint health and to keep your joints and bones happy while you work!  If you need a quick boost of energy, try the 2 oz energy supplement. 

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