"I am L-A-Z-Y!" My cousin exclaimed as we were making Christmas cookies. Then she continued, "What's it going to take for me to start working out? Seriously, what's it going to take? A fire under my ass? Cancer? Then will I start to exercise? A heart attack? Will that motivate me?"
"Why don't you join a gym?," Mm mom suggested. "Wouldn't paying all of that money motivate you to go?"
"Because they would never see the whites of my eyes! I would just think, "Well, that's expensive!" And seriously, who would want to see all of this [grabs tummy] jumping around! The thing is, if I were to go once the whole time I would hate it, and when I finally finish I would think, "I'm not doing that again tomorrow!"
The desire for my cousin to exercise and get healthy is there, but the issue is finding the motivation to actually make herself do it. The conundrum of having a fixed mindset about working out is an issue that many others face as well.
Many people attempt to set themselves straight and get fit with the start of the new year, but so often within a few weeks all hope is lost and people go back to their old habits. So the question I want to pose is:
To set a resolution, or not?
YES, set a resolution! Some people are really motivated with the renewal of the year. The idea of a fresh start is exhilarating and liberating. These people are planners and goal setters that are naturally driven and hardworking. When they decide to do something, it gets done. With new workout gear from the holidays, these people flood the gyms and fill exercise classes with vigor.
These people tend to be relatively successful with their endeavors. However, there are some "resolution setters" that struggle with remaining steadfast after Jan. 10 rolls around. Here are some tips for the "wanna-be resolution setters."
1. Get a buddy and get committed. Having someone else to keep you accountable is enough to keep many people going. On those days when you don't want to drag your butt out of bed, having a friend that is counting on your presence can keep you motivated.
2. Set a small goal for each day. An ultimate goal of "quitting smoking" for example, can be daunting. It can even be discouraging if things are not going as well as you want. Setting a small goal for each day can be a way to find small reasons to celebrate and stay on track, while working towards the bigger goal.
3. Keep your goal visible, literally. Write your goal down and stick it somewhere that you will see it every single day. When you see it, tell yourself that you are going to do it. For example, if someone is making a resolution to be on time instead of perpetually late, he or she could write "I am on time today" on a sticky note and put it on their bathroom mirror. While getting ready in the morning they could tell themselves, "I am going to be on time." Daily reminders of your goal is a good way to remain motivated through out the year.
NO, nope, never set a resolution! Although setting a resolution works for a select group of people, the majority of us just seriously cannot make it work. When we finally crack and realize that the resolution is not going to be a reality, it is seriously discouraging. So if it is not going to work, don't even try to set a resolution! Instead, determine what motivates you, and use that to make a lifestyle change.
Here are some things that might serve as motivators that you could use to make a positive change in your life without making a resolution (not in any particular order):
1. Money. Something we work hard for and need on a daily basis. For some people, paying to be a part of a gym or exercise class will motivate them to attend. They feel that if they don't go then they are throwing away hard-earned money that could be spent in other ways. For a lot of people, joining a class or paying to be a part of something keeps them committed and can help give that push to make a positive lifestyle change.
2. Health. Consequences of unhealthy lifestyles are well known. For many, knowing repercussions of being unhealthy such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, etc., can serve as motivation to make a lifestyle change that will reduce the risk for these and many other chronic diseases.
3. Family. If you can't get motivated for yourself, try to be motivated for the ones that love you! They want you to live a positive and fulfilled life while being alive, healthy and happy. Make yourself better to make them happy. Also know that by making positive lifestyle changes, you might serve as a role model and inspire other family members to do the same.
This list of motivation is just a few suggestions of things that might motivate you! I encourage you to explore your motivations and find what really inspires you in order to be most successful in making a positive lifestyle change.
Whether you are going to make a resolution this new year or not, you are capable of incredible things. "Do something today that you will thank your future self for." --Anonymous
