It’s the second week of January and for many, the excitement of their January resolution has already worn off. Perhaps you never started or it was more difficult than you thought or you actually didn’t even know where to begin! You’re not alone – 80% of people make at least one resolution come January 1^st and a whopping 88% of those people don’t make that resolution a reality!!

It doesn’t need to be that way though (and even though it’s not January 1^st, you could start again, no one has to be the wiser). Let’s look at the top 3 reasons people are unsuccessful and how you can be one of the 12% fulfilling your goal this 2012.

 

Your resolution is too generic

Losing weight, getting fit and/or healthy and making more money are the top 3 resolutions made every year. But all three of those are too generic. They don’t hold any specifics – How much weight do you want to lose or money do you want to make? By when? How? Even saying that you are going to lose 20 pounds in 2012 isn’t specific enough. Set a very specific goal for yourself and then break it down into smaller even more achievable goals to keep you focused and motivated.

For example a good resolution would be; “I will lose 20 pounds of body fat by May 15, 2012 by eating healthy, clean meals 80% of the time, working out with a personal trainer Tuesday/Thursday and attending a group fitness or yoga class Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Either Saturday or Sunday I will do a fun activity with friends or family, that is not in my normal comfort zone (indoor rock climbing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, etc).”

Notice how this goal is very specific and action orientated! There is a plan built into the goal of what exactly you are going to do to achieve success. Further breakdown of this goal would include meal planning for the week, joining a fitness facility, meeting with a Personal Trainer, choosing your group fitness classes, etc. There’s a reason the expression he who fails to plan, plans to fail exists!

You have unrealistic expectations

We live in a society of instant gratification. It’s become so bad that we expect immediate results in almost everything we do. And if we don’t see it, we’re frustrated, overwhelmed and discouraged! This mindset has to change. It takes work to make changes. No ifs, ands or buts about it!! You will NOT lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks. You will not be able to run a marathon in a month. You will not double your income overnight. Deep down, you know this. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Focus on the little things and the little successes. Losing 1-2 pounds a week is GREAT, not discouraging, change your expectations and celebrate success (just not with chocolate cake).

Your resolution doesn’t really mean that much to you

Sure, it would be great to lose 20 pounds, but if you’re not that unhappy with your current weight or you love the idea of going out for a 5 kilometer run but you have other priorities first, it’s not a good resolution. If your resolution doesn’t get you excited; and I mean, crazy-excited-can’t-wait-to-achieve-your-goal excited, chances are, you won’t achieve it. Why you ask? Because it’s going to take work – hard-work, determination, consistency and dedication. You are going to “fall off the wagon”. You will have set backs. But you aren’t going to let those set backs define you. Your goal means so much to you that you are going to get started and back on track immediately. Not tomorrow, not Monday, not 2013. If your resolution doesn’t do this for you, why are you making it your resolution in the first place??

Take 5 minutes right now. Set a new resolution. A resolution that excites you. A resolution that is specific and most importantly a resolution that is realistic! Post it here – let’s support each other on this quest to making 2012 a great year!

In Health,

Jessica Zapata

Bio:

Jessica Zapata

(BSc. Kin, CSCS, PTS & NWS Pro-Trainer, Stott Pilates)

Jessica has been heavily involved in the fitness industry for over 10 years and has been featured in such publications as Chatelaine Magazine, Global Television and the Globe and Mail as a fitness expert. Her passion and knowledge has helped hundreds of people achieve their own personal success in everything from weight loss to marathon running to post-rehabilitation work. She also educates and trains current Personal Trainers and has been invited to speak at International conferences across the country.

As co-owner of Infinite Fitness Personal Training (www.infinitefit.ca), her and her husband, Tristan Zapata have built a personal training studio based on the core values of Passion – Energy  – Commitment. These values extend into all areas of their business, family and life! Feel free to reach out to Jessica with a health or fitness question!

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.