THERE’S something quite wrong to the concept of a “New Year’s Resolution.” He will climb 10 mountains before the year ends. She will read three books every month. You can pretty much guess how these resolutions would play out well before year’s end.
The guy let the year pass without even driving out of town to see what actual mountains look like. Meanwhile, she never got to wipe off the film of dust that had settled on those unread hardbounds purchased at the start of the year.
“New Year’s resolvers typically report making the same pledge for five years or more before they manage a six-month success, and of those who fail this year, 60 percent will make the same resolution again next year,” psychologist Peter Herman said in his research, titled “If at First You Don’t Succeed: False Hopes of Self-change.”
There are those who carry out their vows a few months, even days, into the new year—before reverting to their old ways. Others don’t even bother to take the first steps. These days, New Year’s resolutions are blithely made, and then abandoned even more casually.
The failure to reach such goals may be attributed to the lack of drive or even the Filipino’s notorious mañana habit. There are also cases where the goals set are simply unattainable, leading to an inevitable sense of defeat.
To avoid that bitter taste and savor a moment of sweet fulfillment for once, it actually takes more than the magic word of “discipline” and “will”. Here are some tips to finally getting that “New Year, New Me” mantra right:
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND NEED
FIRST off, just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you need to do something. You know what they say about things that aren’t broken, right? Being thin or portly doesn’t automatically equate to being healthy or otherwise. First and foremost, it is vital to know what you need to change and what to keep.
START SMALL
COMING up with an achievable plan and goal setting should be made first before anything else. Achieving a fitness/health goal is no different from climbing the corporate ladder: You have to work your way from the ground up. To those who want to lose weight and build their bodies, here are some few tips:
• For the weight-watcher wannabe: 1. Don’t abandon eating altogether. It’s okay to eat because as a human being, it’s a basic need to do so. 2. Avoid going on an extreme diet and make sure you eat lean meat, low carbs, veggies and fruits. 3. It is important to know if you’re really hungry, and not just bored or thirsty. 4. Remember that you don’t have to give up your favorite food such as sweets—just take everything in moderation. 5. Avoid deprivation because this often leads to incessant cravings.
• For the bodybuilder aspirant: It is important to get on a regular checkup because more than anything, you should be healthy holistically and not be just physically strong or aesthetically toned.
FIND A BUDDY
YOU need someone to help you get started and keep you motivated. This is why it is also recommended to have a fitness partner, a travel pal, or a personal trainer.
It may be hard to resist temptation and stick to healthy habits, but just keep your focus on your goals and remember that being healthy and fit is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. Sure, it’s not easy and it takes a lot of time, but believe me when I say that the rewards are truly worth the effort. Happy New Year!
With JT Nisay
• For personal training and lifestyle coaching, you can reach Jonnel Cruz at 0917-8414848.