Happy 2012!

Happy 2012 everyone!

Well, we are already three days into the new year-can you believe it?! My, how time flies. I hope you all had a great 2011, and are ready to jump start 2012 on the right track!
By now, most of us have hit the "winter blahs", and those goals we have set for ourselves-well, they have kind of gone out the window...........sound familiar?
Do you find that you were slowly sinking back into your unhealthy habits, but have since spiraled out of control? Have you been thinking to yourself  "It's pointless, I've already undone what I worked for", or "Once the new year starts, I will start over."?
You're not alone! So many people fall into this same rut. But you know what? You're right- it is a new year, and it is time for a clean, fresh start. So, how do you do it? Here's how:

1-DESIRE
The first step is to have the desire to live a fuller, healthier life.
2-DECIDE
Next, make the decision to live a healthier life.
3-PLAN
Create a plan that will work for you. One person's workout and nutrition plan may not work for someone else. So, sit and write down specific goals and plans that will help you achieve maximum benefits, both physically and mentally. This includes exercise, nutrition, and mental relaxation. Make your plan challenging, but make it realistic. Writing it down and placing it where you can see your plan daily, will help you stick to your program. If you need help or suggestions, you can turn to a dietitian, your doctor, a personal trainer, or hit the Internet. :)
4-COMMIT
Once you have your plan down on paper, commit to it. Tell everyone you know about it, that way they will ask you about your progress-one way to keep you accountable for your actions. This also creates a support network, and success is more likely when you have a strong support network.
5-DO
Now that you have set aside a certain time each day for exercise, and you have created your nutritionally balanced menu........DO IT......yes, that means beginning NOW.
6-LOG IT
Keeping a daily log/journal is another way to hold yourself accountable. Don't just write down the date and what you ate and how much you exercised, but write down things like how you feel emotionally and mentally, how you felt before and after you exercised. Log your successes as well as your trials and/or failures; keep weekly logs of your measurements and weight; take before, during and after pictures. Keep all of this in your log/journal so that you can actually see your transformation before your eyes. Do this so that on your bad days, you can look back and see how much you have progressed. In the long run, you'll be glad you did this.
7-SUCCEED
YOU CAN DO IT! Now, go out there and succeed! Do not compare yourself to others; this is not a race. Everyone has different goals, and comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples and and bananas........just doesn't work. If you have a setback, then get up and move forward. This is YOUR life, and these are YOUR goals.....so, go out there and SUCCEED-for YOU!

Here's to a fantastic 2012! I look forward to hearing your stories throughout the year, and I am sitting here, in my little corner, cheering you on all the way! I know you can do this! :)