Many people choose to make health and fitness related New Year’s Resolutions. I know right away who will last with their “resolution” and who will quit after one month. Use this as an opportunity to jump-start a lifestyle change.
What will it take for you to really change? Money, death, disease, humiliation, accountability, friends, throwing up from a workout, losing your breath walking up the stairs, a sport, a goal, judgment… etc. Do you need to sign a contract? The point is you need to make a commitment for whatever reason it takes. Find your reason. Great things come of such commitments.
It would be great if we could all grow and change without peers or an environment to influence us but the truth is most people can’t. To succeed in your goal, find a place that provides a mental and physical environment that assists change.
What I don’t like about New Year’s Resolutions is most people want it now. You have to be willing to build upon your goal year throughout the year. If you want everything now or within 30 days you will be disappointed. You have to know it will take years to figure out the new you, the new standards, and what you are truly capable of doing mentally and physically. The only way to do that is put yourself in situations that challenge yourself and beliefs. Practice in the gym and apply what you learn there to your lifestyle. Learn to overcome and believe in what you can become. Continue to learn what effort it will take, and learn valuable lessons from people who have succeeded. Surround yourself with those people who will reshape and inspire you.
It has taken me a long time to find the right people and environment to foster the experiences that have become gym standards. You can follow on social media, you can look at videos, and you can even walk in the gym door. It all has weight but until you see the people in action or throw yourself in the fire with them it is hard to understand.
I don’t think the extreme, random, and unrealistic resolutions will be accomplished. Most people will not change because habits are hard to break. Habits are formed over years and become peoples’ identities. Until something severe happens to people they won’t change. The small amount of people who are willing to make the change and commitment will change though. Make it important enough to change your future and learn to take control. Figure out where you want to go, how the goal will influence you, and if you are willing to let it. Only then can you truly decide to commit to doing it. You become who you hang around so make the commitment.
