Resolution or Realization?

First off, this is my first blog post of the New Year! Second, I'm getting sick of hearing people talk about their New Year's Resolutions, as I'm sure many people are because it always seems to end in failure (I promise I'm not being pessimistic).  I am so glad that people are willing to make a change in the New Year, it's fantastic, but I think a new approach is in order.  I am no longer going to be using the term "New Year's Resolution" rather I am changing it to "New Year's Realization".

A resolution is a goal that we set for ourselves in hopes that we will continue with it throughout the year.  It is important that we use S.M.A.R.T. goals (hold on a second) along with "realization" in order for us to be successful in this new year.  S.M.A.R.T. goals are one that are: S-specific, M-measurable, A-attainable, R-realistic, T-timely, if you follow this you will have a higher chance of success.

I used the world "realization" instead of "resolution" before, I think it is important that if we make goals/resolutions for ourselves, we need to realize that we need to make a lifestyle change.  If your goal is to "loose weight", I would consider re-thinking the way you state your goal and change it to sound something like: "change my eating and exercise patterns to be more healthy so that I am able to loose and maintain a healthy weight.  I will try to eliminate processed foods whenever possible and increase my exercise". I would follow this up with a S.M.A.R.T. goal.
Side note: If you are looking to loose a significant amount of weight, I would consult a physician to guide you and make sure that you are taking the correct precautions in order to avoid injury.

You can use the S.M.A.R.T. goal system for any "realization" you have this year, it doesn't have to be exercise or health related.  Here are my health related New Year's Realizations for 2012:

1. Continue my clean eating lifestyle that I started in December.  It is a change of lifestyle, not something that I will do for a week, but will continue for the rest of the year.
2. Increase my running mileage.  By March of this year I want to be able to run a 10k, currently I have completed a few 5k's and now I want to push myself to be even better.
3. Each week I want to do cardiovascular exercise at least 3 times per week.
4. Increase the amount of blog posts so that I am able to help people with their fitness and nutrition goals, or any questions they may have.
5. Find a way, other than by blogging and using Twitter, to educate people about health and wellness.

Utilize a buddy to keep you accountable & use all the tools you can get your hands on.

If you are looking for a way to keep track of your calories and exercise, I love this website :

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ it's FREE :)

I hope that everyone has a healthy and happy New Year!