A New Year, A New You?

     Every year at this time people are making resolutions to do better in their life. The most common resolution? Working out! Anyone who is a regular at the gym knows that the busiest time of the year is January. So many people make resolutions and flood the gym to get into better shape or to lose weight. By February most of those people are gone. Why does this happen? I’m convinced the reason is that the intention is there but the drive isn’t. Personally, I hate new years resolutions. I feel that if I need to make a change then I put it into action. I don’t wait for a magical date on the calendar. There will always be excuses why you can’t work out or eat better or be more active or quit smoking. I’ve heard them all….. heck I’ve even said them all….. “too busy” “too tired” “too stressed” “not enough money” “not enough support”. It doesn’t really matter what your excuse is. It’s just an excuse. If it’s important to you then you will find a way to make it work. There is no magic pill or workout to make you healthy or in shape. You need to be consistent. You need to make it part of a regular routine. Intentions will not get you to your destination. If you want change then you need to automate it. Make it a part of your routine and don’t deviate from it.

Here is an example of what I do through the week:

Monday – Wake up at 530am and do a weight/core workout.

Tuesday – Wake up at 6am and organize for the day. Take the kids to school and then go for a run.

Wednesday – Wake up at 530am and do a weight/core workout.

Thursday – Wake up at 6am and organize for the day. Take the kids to school and then go for a run.

Friday – Wake up at 530am and do a weight/core workout.

Saturday – Sleep in and go for a run around 10am.

Sunday – Rest day.

This is my formula for success. It works for me. It might not work for you, but you can see it’s automated. It’s regular and achievable because I don’t have to put any mental energy into getting it accomplished.

So this year, don’t make a resolution ….. make a plan. Plan a routine that is automated and will allow you to achieve success.