Get Motivated and Set a Healthy Goal

Ok, it's the end of January/beginning of February and the thrill of your New Years Resolution has worn off. Good. They're rubbish anyway. Your head was in the clouds when you set it... a little too much bubbly and some sleep deprivation perhaps? Now let's set a real goal- one that you can and WILL achieve in 2012.

Whether you're aiming to lose weight, tone your body, improve your cardiovascular health, etc., why is it important to you? Why are you doing this anyway? Do you want to look good in a bathing suit this summer? Fit into your wedding dress? Show your ex what they're missing? Be the hottest one at your high school reunion? Live long enough to see your grandchildren get married? Break the cycle of obesity related health problems in your family? I've heard it all. Every person has his or her own reasons. Write them down and be completely honest with yourself.

Now what's standing in your way? Are you too busy? Too stressed or have bigger things to worry about? Do you think you're too old to exercise enough or change your habits? Is your entire family obese, so it must be your genes/metabolism? Maybe you just don't like the foods you think you'll have to eat? I have news for you- those are all EXCUSES! You probably have many and each of them are like a brick in a wall that's keeping you from being happy and healthy. Tear down the wall! These excuses are rooted in a fear of change. You are comfortable with the way things are. You might want the change to be made, but you haven't really started to want to make the change (there is a difference). Imagine your life if you couldn't use any of these excuses.

Now set a SMART goal. Be Specific- answer Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Make it Measurable- you should be able to measure your progress and know when you've accomplished your goal. Be sure it is Attainable- is your goal realistic and is it even healthy? Focus on Relevant changes- don't muddy up your plan with anything that isn't going to help you accomplish your goal. Your plan should be Time-bound- mark the goal date in your day planner.

These 52 Good Habits are baby steps towards living healthier. Folding one small good behavior into our daily lives at a time makes it easy to change the way we look at having a healthy lifestyle. Try to follow along every week or jump in when you can- any good change is always better than none! And if you feel you're already an expert in this week's Good Habit, share your knowledge and skill with your friends, family and coworkers! What good is a gift in your pocket when you can give it to others?

As always- discussion is open and I will answer your questions in comments below!

And don't forget to FOLLOW! Thanks :)