Guest Post: Lifestyle Change, Not Resolution

As we head into 2015, tons of people are embarking on a resolution of some sort or another. I applaud the world’s introspection, even if it does often only last for a week or so. It is still a great thing to want to improve one’s self.   

In our zeal for self-improvement around New Year’s, we often rush into quick fixes, diets, and things that start with “30 days or your money back.” Essentially, the well-intentioned energy of making a resolution often gets misplaced and beat out of us by unrealistic solutions and expectations.  

This year, you need a lifestyle change. It can be tedious, and it will take time, but the results are second to none. With lifestyle change, you aren’t as concerned with the effectiveness of a product, but rather the dedication of yourself. Sound intense? Think about it through these points. 

First, would you rather be fit and healthy this year or for the rest of your life? With a resolution we often indulge in quick programs, unrealistic deadlines and timelines, and very low self-investment. Instead we invest primarily in a product, membership, or program.  

With a lifestyle change, the opposite is true. The large investment is on you. You are the key piece to your success. If you want to be more and more fit, each and every year, it all comes down to you finding the right long-term solution. If you can’t do it for months, it’s probably not worth your time. 

Second, a lifestyle change takes a purposeful goal. Your resolution can’t be flippant. If your goal is to curl a certain weight, it’s probably not much of a “lifestyle” sort of thing. Feels a little shallow and way too narrow.  

On the flip side, making a goal to increase your strength or have overall increases in your numbers will give you something to work with. Increasing your strength is something you can spend a lifetime working on and do in many different ways. This is perfect for creating a lifelong intention that will benefit you for years. Of course, individual weight goals now fit perfectly into this overall resolution. 

Finally, a lifestyle change really needs to be about something greater than vanity or “wouldn’t it be nice if…” You need to have some drive. I don’t get myself through a workout by imagining pristine abs. Rather, I get myself through grueling workouts by thinking more about my health and overall well-being.  

Believe me, when it is freezing cold and you live thousands of miles from a beach, images of abs don’t get me anywhere. But if I realise that today is another day towards being healthier, more fit, and mentally sharp. I want it, because I always want those things regardless. You have to figure out what is going to make you want it on the worst of days, and build your resolution around that. 

You can do amazing things in one year’s time. I know from experience. Make your food and fitness goals around a lifestyle change, and you’ll be amazed at the curls, abs, and other accomplishments you will have along the way!  

 

By Lindsey Stutheit of www.DitchingDumb.com 

If you’re interested in learning more about implementing lifestyle changes, stop by www.ditchingdumb.com. We have free tools and great products to help you make changes that last, like our manual, Leveraging a Lifestyle. Cheers and Happy New Year!