Resolutions vs. Goals

New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year is here! As one year bows out and a new one comes in, we’re prompted to reflect on our lives and about what we would like to achieve or change in the New Year. I often hear the phrase: “New Year, New You”.... but sadly, the vast majority of people fail to capitalize on this reflective phase of their life, and the wishes of a New Year’s resolution inevitably falls back to normal routines and all remains the same... “New Year, Same You."

Why do so many people that “re solve” to make changes in their life fail? We start with good intentions but it takes more than good intentions to achieve sustained change.

Resolution

This is the time of year when many people begin to “resolve” to: “be more healthy,” “lose weight,”  or “eat better.” However these statements are abstract, unmeasurable, and undefinable. The definition of resolution is; a formal expression of will, or intent. Forget resolutions! They don’t work, they lack accountability. Resolutions do not have a strategy or a plan. Instead work on setting goals.

Goals

Goals, on the other hand, are clear, measurable and time bounded. Goals are the result of achievement toward which effort is directed. Goals provide you with a roadmap to go from wherever you are to wherever you want to be. Here are some tips to help you reach your goals.

A goal is most powerful when written with the following attributes:

•   Specific: “I will to lose 30 pounds in the next 3 months” rather than “I want to lose weight.” Or, “I will drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water every day” rather than “I want to be healthier.”

•   Measurable: You can cross it off a list. If you set a goal of exercising 3 days per week and schedule it in your calendar you an easily see if you’ve reached your weekly goal.

•   Affirmative: They should be affirmed with positive statements like: “I exercise 2 times per week” vs. “I want to exercise more often.”

•   Realistic: Your goal must be realistic. If it’s not, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you aren’t exercising at all and you say you’ll get to the gym 4 days/week, that is not realistic and as soon as you begin to fall behind you will get discouraged and likely quit altogether.

•   Time Sensitive: By when? Always state the date that you intend to complete your goal. If no deadline exists there isn’t much incentive to achieve them.

If you’ve had challenges making changes in the past and you are serious about your health and fitness, you may consider the services of a coach to help you help you establish goals and reach your goals.

A coach's job is to:

1.    Assess exactly where you are now.

2.    Clarify where you truly want to go.

3.    Identify obstacles and how to overcome them.

4.    Provide a framework that allows you to build a bridge between them that becomes the roadmap to your success.

5.    Document progress and accomplishments.

6.    Encourage you to stay the course.

7.    Help you get incr edible results!

-Brett Cohen, Sports Performance Coach, Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Fitness Presenter and Educator, and Founder of Integrated Training Systems. (917)596-8485