Many goals, most actually; depend more upon the CHOICE to accomplish whatever the “it” is. Meaning? That once the goal is defined, that individual must take the responsibility and then “DO” the necessary work.
Addressing one’s goals seems to be a process of life at the beginning of each New Year. This is fitting of course as the first month represents a time to look back at the year behind and usually…WHAT? Yes, remember those goals that were defined and then forgotten…NOT ACCOMPLISHED.
The Number 2 resolution according to, www.About.com, on a yearly basis is:
“The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that 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.”
I could write an entire article on New Year’s resolutions. Dating them back to the early Babylonians! There resolutions seemed to be a little easier to accomplish in that most promised to return borrowed farm equipment! However; as to not get off track let us just keep in mind that the resolution to, GET IN SHAPE, involves just as much the starting of new habits as it does giving things like bad food up!
The process of developing “new habits” can and will involve the following:
1. Do your best to always have a plan in advance; especially when promising one’s self to get in, or back into shape! You should have that plan before December 31; however, if you are one, (of most), that forget this aspect there is still good news!
The next several parts to accomplish our goal tie together. I will list them and then explain how your follow through on each should work.
2. Outline your plan. When defining what it is you want to accomplish with and within your body, outline that plan. This will again help with your resolve in remembering the reasons why you are now making a habit of going to the gym. In reminding yourself why habits like smoking and excessive drinking need TO STOP as well in achieving a wellness goal, and the eternal value of daily, positive affirmations: “I CAN” AND “I WILL”…always help during those conversations one has with self.
3. Talk about it! Yes, the more people that you share your goals, in this case your new resolutions with? The more accountable you become. Talking about your new found sense of direction will encourage family and friends to make the same choices, and in turn create a network of support. This represents a TEAM of people, that while each may have different motivations? All share the same GOAL of getting in shape!
4. Keep a Journal that describes in detail how you are feeling day to day. Yes, in order to achieve your goal of getting physically healthier you will have to learn to mentally, “purge” all those feelings of self doubt. This is an easier and less expensive process of going to a therapist! You should sit down on a daily basis and remind yourself of the day’s successes and challenges’ in regard to reaching the goals, short and long term, set in achieving your best shape ever.
5. DO NOT QUIT! It can take as long as 21 days for a new interest to become a habit, and sometimes up to 6 months in order for that new activity, (going to the gym), to become a true lifestyle change. This is not that long of a time when one considers the benefits!
Now, it is time to tie down Points 2 to 5, and show you how one addition to the plan will increase your potential for success!
Some may not know how to outline what exactly it is they want to accomplish, they just know that they need to do any of the following:
· Reduce Body Fat
· Stimulate Muscle
· Increase Energy
· Flatten Stomach
· Reduce Thighs
· Slim Hips
· Firm up Buttocks
Any, some, or perhaps all of these may be the main points of your personal outline to success. Under one, or each you then have to decide what points are going to lead to you ACTING upon the ideas to accomplish them. This leads us to the third point which was talking about it, discussing the goal. Doing so with friends and family members brings together a TEAM of likeminded people, but did you incorporate an “expert” into that support group? The group will need a leader, someone that knows how to take your outline, and discuss not the “I think I will’s…” Rather, will take each point and TALK to you about a DECISIVE PLAN OF ACTION.
Outlining your goal and talking about your goal involve TRAINING YOUR MIND, AND EDUCATING YOURSELF to become, to do better for yourself, lets remember the “T”, and the “E” in these two points.
Moving onto the 4th and 5th point we promised ourselves to keep a journal, and NOT quit. This means to be ACCOUNTABLE, and to stay MOTIVATED!
These two points bring me back to the basis of any great trainer’s career in helping others achieve their goals. I described it, and defined it in the very first article presented. Now, in the New Year of 2009, I must remind each of you: The TEAM CONCEPT!
T- Challenging, result oriented training OF THE MIND AND BODY!
E- Educating one’s self on a quality, proven nutrition systeM!
A – Accountability- knowing that you are accountable for each goal you set!
M – Staying motivated!
WHAT WILL YOU DO IN 2009 TO ACHIVE THE GOAL OF GETTING IN YOUR BEST EVER PHYSICAL CONDITION? hOW WILL YOU DO THINGS DIFFERENT THIS YEAR, AND SUCCEED, AS OPPOSED TO ACCEPTING THE FAILURES OF THE PAST?
THIS IS ONE CHOICE WHERE IT IS OK TO:
“CHOOSE TO LOSE”
LOSE UNWANTED POUNDS AND GAIN THE RESPECT OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR STICKING WITH IT! CREATE A POSITIVE SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN ORDER TO STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTION(S). STAY MOTIVATED BY THINKING ABOUT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER TO HELP YOU IN THE OPENING MONTHS OF WHAT CAN AND OFTEN IS MOST A BATTLE OF THE MIND; NOT JUST A STRENUOUS PHYSICAL PATH, AND ALWAYS…
“CREATE A POWERFUL DAY!”
*Mat DuVall is a Professional Athlete and member of the International federation of bodybuilding. Mat’s articles have been published both nationally and internationally. Mat is the Chief operating officer of Ultra FIT LLC; Recently having partnered exclusively with American Bodyworks AT VILLA RICA, and RIDGE ROAD.
Tags: American Bodyworks, Douglasville, Fitness, Mat DuVall, Villa Rica
