A Healthy Resolution

Over the past two months I have heard the following phrases from many people: “Todd, as soon as the crazy holiday season is over, I am going to start taking care of myself.” “With this busy time of year, it is hard to find time to get to the gym. I’ll start in January when things calm down a bit.” “I am going to focus on eating healthy in January because it is too difficult with all the holiday goodies and social gatherings to eat healthy.” “2010 is going to be the year I get on track with my health and fitness.”

Well, here we are. 2009 is over, the holiday season is complete and it’s time for you to fulfill that promise you made to yourself about getting on track with your health and fitness for 2010.

I often see many people verbally commit to a healthy lifestyle starting on January 1, but many times they fall short on fulfilling that promise because they missed a key step in what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. They don’t make a plan to fulfill their resolution.

Let me spin it to you this way. Let’s say your friend wants to build a new house from scratch and construction is set to begin on January 1. In the last week of December you ask to see detailed plans of the house to see that everything is mapped out from foundation to roof, exterior to interior, plumbing to paint, etc. However, your friend doesn’t have any detailed plans for the house; he is just going to “start” building in January. He has no idea what the building schedule is going to be, but he is just going to play it by ear on a weekly basis. He’s not clear on what materials are going to be used, has no permits and doesn’t even have a contractor or any other professionals lined up. Chances are your friend is not going to get very far, right?

Your New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy is no different. If I were to ask you what your plan is to make health and fitness a lifestyle in 2010, and you don’t have one, that is no different than starting construction on a home without detailed plans. Saying you are going to “start” a fitness program in January is great, but without a well laid-out plan, how do you expect to make it happen? Without a plan, your resolution is nothing more than an idea. Instead, take action, make a plan and commit yourself to success.

Your action step today is to think about what it is going to take to fulfill your resolution. What lifestyle changes are necessary? What eating habits need to change? Are you going to stand tall when the hedonists who try to lure you off track? What needs to change in your schedule to accommodate your new workout regimen? Have you joined a gym or hired a personal trainer? How much alcohol and sugar are you cutting out of your diet? What is your plan for staying motivated? Do you have a specific goal? Are you committed to 365 days? The answers to these questions are going to determine your level of commitment. That is what your plan is all about, commitment to success!

There are many resources available to help you setup your plan. Set up a consultation with a personal fitness professional for help with your exercise and nutritional program. Find a friend with a similar goal to help hold each other accountable. Get a book on time management and scheduling to help prioritize and organize your busy schedule. Take a nutrition class to learn how food works as fuel in your body. You have everything you need to be successful in 2010; the ball is in your court and all you need is a plan for your commitment to success.

This year when you make your resolution, don’t just utter an empty promise to yourself. You deserve much more than that. Let’s all do our part to help get America back on track and become one of the healthiest countries in 2010! Get rid of the excuses, take charge of your life and make this the beginning of your journey to lead a lifestyle of health and fitness. My best to all of you in 2010!