‘Tis the Season

Mid-January. The Christmas tree is down and the decorations are in the attic (right?). That means ‘tis the season for New Year’s Resolutions. While I do tend to find myself in a little post-holiday funk every January, I do appreciate this time of year for the “blank slate” it presents. It is the perfect time for some self-reflection and goal-setting for the year ahead.

For many of us, we have resolved to eat better, exercise more, or perhaps kick that unhealthy habit once and for all. Sound familiar? As a yoga instructor, I see resolutions in action every January – classes are packed and students are buying passes so they feel committed to coming regularly.

However, come February, the yoga business settles back into its more regular flow. Have you also found that your previous resolutions have fallen away by February? Have you wondered how this year can be different?

It’s a simple saying but very true – old ways won’t open new doors.

Let’s look at an example. Maybe in the past you have resolved to hit the gym every day before work at 6 am. Did this resolution ever last more than a week or two? Perhaps this year, take a moment to think why it did not. Is the gym the last place you want to be on a cold, dark winter morning? Then it is time to tell yourself a new story about exercising.

What would get you moving this year? Perhaps you’d be more motivated if you knew a friend was meeting you at the gym. Maybe you’d rather go for a walk rather than be indoors. Or is a yoga class more likely to draw you out of bed vs. an hour on the elliptical?

So how can you make this year’s resolutions happen? Start today by writing that new story. The first and best thing you can do is to set SMART goals around your fitness (and other) resolutions. SMART goals are Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. So rather than resolve “to exercise more this year,” try on one of these SMART-er resolutions:

·      I will walk three days a week during the month of January.

·      I will sign up for that Pilates session by the end of this week.

·      Today, I will ask Anne if she can meet me at the gym on Fridays.

These resolutions sound very doable, yes? And far less daunting than feeling compelled to visit the gym every day when you really don’t want to. Remember, a brief, brisk walk is far better than skipping a workout all together. Just get moving! Find something you like to do (belly dancing? rock climbing?) and you will be far more likely to keep doing it.

And while you are at it, add a fun resolution to your list, such as seeing friends more often or treating yourself to a massage when you reach a goal.

Be well.