Making New Year’s resolutions is easy — following through on them is something else entirely.  Sometimes it’s because we don’t really believe we can achieve what we set out to do.  Sometimes it’s because we are fearful of what we might have to do, or give up, or risk.  Sometimes it’s because we realize that whatever it is will be a lot of hard work — and that success probably won’t happen overnight.

Thought for the Day:

Focus more on your desire than your doubt and the dream will take care of itself.  You may be surprised at how easily this happens.  Your doubts are not as powerful as your desires unless you make them so.  Marica Wieder

Today’s Action Challenge:

One way to keeping moving forward is to keep your goals in front of you every single day.  Many, many success gurus (Napoleon Hill, Brain Tracy, Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield — you name it) talk about writing down your major goal and either carrying it with you.

• Where could you place your goal so that it is front and center in your every day life.  Perhaps on a little card in your purse or wallet?  Maybe you could make it into a screen saver (or maybe find a particular image that represents it for)  Perhaps you could put it on Post-It Notes around your house (on the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator door), at work at your desk and on your dashboard. 
• Most experts suggest writing it as a concise sentence or two, phrased in the present test as if it already exists and having a specific deadline…”It is December 31st 2009 and because I was committed to eating a healthy diet and exercising for 30 minutes every day, I am now a size ____” Again, write it down as if it has already happened.
• Another time proven method is to spend at least 5 minutes or so once or twice a day having a vivid daydream about your goal.  The idea is to put yourself in a mental movie where you see yourself experiencing  your goal fully — as if it were actually happening.  Where are you?  What are you doing?  Who’s with you?  What are you saying?  What did they say?  What are the sights, sounds, smells, textures…make it very real.  The subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between the real world and the world that is vividly imagined.   So don’t hold back — go for it!!

Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women.  Lose weight and look great — 90 Day Money Back Guarantee!!

Upon reading my posts, you may have gathered that I am a highly motivated, goal-oriented person.  My friends and loved ones will attest to the contagiousness of my energy and enthusiastic spirit.  My positive attitude combined with strong ambition fuel my ability to accomplish my goals and dreams. 

This past weekend, my family and I went to my nephew’s 2^nd birthday party.  An old friend of my SIL’s also attended the party.  She has been training for triathlons some time and I was excited to pick her brain about our shared interest in the sport. 

I proudly told her about my latest endeavors and she snidely remarks, “Those aren’t real triathlons.  If you aren’t swimming 2 miles and feel like you are going to die, then you’ve not done a real tri.” 

Talk about crushing someone’s spirit!  That’s like telling someone who runs 5K, “You’re not a real runner unless you run a marathon.” 

Even in my shock, I scripted a pretty decent rebuttal.  “I believe a triathlon is defined by completing 3 physical activities: swim, bike and run.  If we went around the room and polled everyone, I think you would find everyone’s response to include those three things.  And, yes, technically it is only a sprint, but it feels like a REAL triathlon to me.  And despite what you may think, I do feel like I am going to die during and after, but I love it!  It’s not about the distance for me, but the challenge and trying to compete against my own time.” 

With a stunned expression, she replied “Well, I compete against myself as well, but I don’t event like triathlons.” 

“Then, why do you even do them?” 

“I do them because my friends convinced me to do it, but I don’t like them.” 

“So, you caved to peer pressure?  Interesting.” 

The longer I spoke with her, the more my blood began to boil.  I realize I am no Hollie Kenney, but I do best and I am damn proud of what I do!  The other athletes I have met at the various races have been so supportive and encouraging.  My friends and family applaud my achievements and in turn, I celebrate their hard-work too.  Where did this chick come off? 

To avoid an ugly scene turning even uglier, I took a few deep cleansing breaths and escaped to the patio to discuss politics with my BIL.  Discussing Obama over a beer would make me feel better.