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I can’t decide if I hate New Year’s resolutions or not.  I don’t usually make them but come end of December, I do find myself taking stock of my life and tallying up what’s not-so-hot and how I could make it better.  This is a mistake.  That might be initially motivating but long lasting results depend on more than mental self-flagellation.

And here’s one I’ve started and stopped just as much as the next guy; “Get in better shape”.   That’s got to be THE most popular New Year’s resolution with the shortest attention span.  I’ve given this a lot of thought because this year… it’s my FOCUS (timing of New Year’s is strictly coincidence-ish).

As in, I’m focusing on health this year and no thank you to those donuts even though they are sitting right next to me, and yes they smell delicious.

Here’s why I (and perhaps others) have fallen off the wagon in the past:
(I’m sticking with the getting-healthy-theme but these reasons are true across the board for anything really)

4 Reasons New Year’s Resolutions Fail:

1.  Lame Why
Your “why” is one of the biggest motivators propelling you forward.  WHY do you want to be healthy?  This means “looking hot at your high school reunion” might carry you so far, but will not give you long last results.  You need a real “why” that’s going to get your ass up at 5A to work out instead of pressing snooze and pulling the covers up higher.

2.  Zero Accountability
I’ve rarely told anyone I was going to work on my health and that’s been subconsciously strategic.  I didn’t want to have to answer to people about how I dropped off the gym scene or that yes, I’ve started eating frozen yogurts quite frequently.  I’ve avoided being on the hook to anyone but not sharing my (so called) plan with everyone.

3.  Lack of Knowledge
What the hell do I know about body chemistry and who knows what else?  (not much)   This still applies across the board by the way and not just to health.  Trying to get out of debt?  How literate are you financially?  You see what I mean here.  And this leads to…

4.  No Support
Why do we try to do everything on our own?  There are people who specialize in whatever you are trying to accomplish, ready to help and excited to see you succeed!  And don’t say it’s the money, it’s never REALLY the money.  My friend Jenev Caddell (kick ass relationship coach) recently commented on this in regards to a program she and I both went through and she summed it up quite well:
“If you’re nervous about making a decision to get help for yourself because of the money it means:
a.) You don’t believe it can help
b.) You don’t believe in yourself
c.) The end goal is just not important enough to you

You see!  Her last point there, she’s talking about that “why”!  It really is kind of the end all be all.

Here’s how I’m tackling the 4 reasons why resolutions fail:

1.  My Why 
I had my son when I was 41.  Though I’m young at heart, I’m no spring chicken and having a baby in your 40’s is reeeeeeal different than having one in your 20’s or even your 30’s.  My body has not bounced back (swear, I’m not blaming the baby), but more than that I want to have enough energy to play with the little bugger.  (And he’s got a lot of it!)  I cringe when I hear myself say “Mommy’s too tired” or “Playing mystery doggies hurts my back”.  UGH.  I don’t care if I ever wear a bikini again (Ok, it would be nice) but I DO want to be able to keep up with my son AND to show him how a healthy 40+ year-old lives.  Also, I think I’ll run faster with less pounds on me and that’ll be cool.

2.  Accountability
I’m telling you!  In addition to sharing this with y’all, I’ll be talking about it, out loud, with other people.  My husband knows, my friends know (or will know) and I’ll keep you posted too.  This isn’t to shame me if (when) I do something construed as unhealthy.  I can tell you right now, I’m not an all or nothing gal.  Moderation is the way.

3.  Knowledge
Here’s where I need some help.  I’ve been doing things I thought were good for me, that weren’t doing exactly what I thought.  I run.  That’s my jam.  What I didn’t know is that a certain kind of running produces cortisol, which is a steroid hormone that increases blood sugar (what!).  My friends Julie & Nick at www.saltwaterfit.com started schooling me on this and it kind of blew my mind.  Not to worry if you’re a runner and want to lose weight, you can do a nice long slow run or interval running.  I digress.  Point is there’s a LOT I don’t know about food and fitness and I plan to learn it!

4.  Support
I’m gettin’ it!  I just joined the inner circle at www.graceandgrit.com, a supportive group program lead by the kick ass Courtney Townley.  I’ve already learned so much from her, I know I’m going to get the schoolin’ I need and be able to learn from her community as well.  She’s been a “mover, shaker, and healthy people maker” for decades and if you’re interested, she’s got a FREE 3 part video series you can get right here.

I’m excited for this journey, I know it will be a lot work and probably a good amount of pain but I’m riding my Why wave as far as it will take me.

What’s your focus for 2016?

Please come declare yours with me on my Facebook page or better yet, join my Facebook group “Intentional Living” and be around like minded people who are getting things done by making Joy part of their lives everyday.