Healthy Living: Resolve this new year to become one of the ‘8 Percent’

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

We all make them. Whether it is to lose weight, quit smoking, get organized, relax, stay fit and healthy, or to just enjoy life to the fullest, you must first make a firm decision that this goal is truly what you wish to achieve and be willing to do the work it takes to get there.

According to Statistic Brain, only 8 percent of the population will be successful in achieving their resolution.

Why is this number so low? A lot of people fall into the trap of never having enough time in the day to get everything done. We work, take care of the kids, go to sports practice, cook, clean, and all the other everyday tasks in our lives. It takes time and energy to achieve the goals we set for ourselves in the form of New Year’s resolutions.

The question is, “How do I achieve success with my New Year’s resolution?”

First of all, set a goal that you can attain. If you are trying to lose weight, set small goals throughout the year and reward yourself as you reach of them.

For example, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds this year, break it up. Tell yourself, “I will lose 5 pounds by March 1 and continue to lose 5 pounds every 2 months.” Your goal will not look so daunting and you will reach it by the end of the year.

Second, don’t worry about what others are doing. Your success is YOURS! It is not measured by anyone else’s success. Do what you can do!

Third, set aside time for yourself. Schedule your gym time, as appointments on your calendar and stick to it just like you would an important meeting or doctor’s appointment. You are important and your health should not be neglected.

Do you need help reaching your goals? Would you like to be a part of the 8 percent who succeed in achieving their New Year’s resolutions?

Active Life offers state of the art equipment and certified staff members to help you along the way. 2014 is your year to achieve your goals. There’s no time like now to stop by Active Life to get started.

Written by April Hancock, Certified Fitness Professional at Active Life Fitness Center.