THOUGHTS FROM KATHERINE

Happy New Years, everyone!

I know a lot of you have been thinking about New Year's resolutions..... should I bother making any.... or going the opposite route and making too many!

I generally think that you ought to make a lifestyle change when you are ready and not on an artificial date. However, I have been rethinking this point of view. This can lead to procrastination- "I'm not ready yet, I'm not ready yet"- and nothing happens. And sometimes we all need that foot to the rear to get going (I am sure that's at least partially why my clients work with me!). I've personally been finding that despite not having any plans to make resolutions, I am surrounded by people who are. So of course I begin to think, well, I really should work on this, and I really could stand to change that. Suddenly I have a list of resolutions!

This month, as we settle back into our routines and begin a new year, I'd like you to focus on new goals. Goals are always either physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Think of each category and what you would like to improve in yourself. I'll give you one each of my own as examples:

Physical: I will develop my speed/reaction time through plyometricsEmotional: I will not take my frustrations out on my husband
Mental: I will read one nutrition/exercise- related book for every 2 fiction books I read ( I am saying every 2, not 1, because this is much more realistic for me)
Spiritual: I will read my bible every morning at breakfast

Please do the same for yourselves. Note I said 'I will' - not 'I want to'. Share your resolutions with someone to make them more concrete- that way you will be responsible to someone. Jack Canfield in his book The Success Principles says, "You'll also find that each time you share your vision, it becomes clearer and feels more real and attainable. And most importantly, every time you share your vision, you strengthen your own subconscious belief that you can achieve it."

Some common problem areas for my clients that I see:

* Not strength-training (that means WEIGHTS, people)
* Not doing your cardio or...
* doing cardio but not getting out of your comfort zone
* Eating too much sugar, too many grains, and/or TOO MANY CARBS
* NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
* Skipping meals (especially BREAKFAST)
* Strength-training but with weights that are too light
* Not loving yourself - can you look yourself in the eye in a mirror and say 'I love you'?
* Abusing yourself - with sugar, processed garbage food, fast food, soda, cigarettes, alcohol, STINKIN' THINKIN' (negative thoughts: about yourself, the way you look, other people, your life)

There's always more, but these are the biggies that are common and apply to everyone.

Now, resolutions are not meant to beat yourself up. I am sure we could all go on for days about all the stuff we need to change (stinkin' thinkin' again!). Alongside your resolutions, write down something in each category you have improved upon. Give yourself credit for a job well done! Examples: I joined the gym, I threw out that garbage wheat cereal, I got to bed on time.

I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to working with you toward your dreams and goals. Even if you feel like you are on your own and doing it alone, I can show you oodles more people who feel the same way. And please remember, for those of you who know my background, I've been there too.

"A wish changes nothing but a decision changes everything"
~unknown

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop"
~Confucious