Excuses, Excuses, Excuses...

It's a new year and everyone is setting goals and resolutions. The most common resolutions/goals are health related. According to statistics, 74% of the population in this country could stand to lose a few pounds. In January, gyms become one of the most popular places as everyone is rushes in to work off the pounds gained over the holidays; however, by mid-February the gyms return to their normal capacity of 'regulars' only.

So why do most people abandon their fitness resolutions within weeks before reaching their goals?

I think the answer lies in the following question: Why don't people live healthy lifestyles year round?

I've identified three basic reasons:

1. Most people don't care about their health... Until they have a major problem (like cancer, heart attack or obesity). Let's face it, chronic conditions don't just happen instantaneously. People don't gain 30 pounds over night, but most people lack the motivation to do anything about it at the +15 pound mark or even after outgrowing most of their wardrobe. I think the lack of motivation to pursue optimum health and ideal weight is, quite coincidentally, the fact that most people have never truly experienced it. Once you have a taste of what it feels like to operate at a level 9 or 10, you feel continuously compelled to maintain or regain that feeling even in times when you might be stuck in a rut or fall off the wagon. In other words, you can be completely comfortable driving a Ford Focus, until you drive a Ferrari. And once you've driven a Ferrari, there's no going back! And if you lose that Ferrari, you're going to hate going back to the Ford Focus and you're going to work your ass off to get another Ferrari. The Ferrari is not only for pure enjoyment, but it becomes a status symbol as well. There's no absence of vanity in personal physique - that's why cosmetic companies, salons and clothing stores are worth billions. Your body is your vehicle - and you get to choose what you drive!
   

   
2. People claim (at least in their minds) that they don't know how. This causes "paralysis by analysis" - a syndrome in which people spend all of their time contemplating what to do rather than actually doing anything. The how is the easy part, believe it or not. There's no shortage of information on recipes, nutrition, weight loss programs, exercises and training regimens. Information is easily accessible and practically free in the form of web pages, books, videos, seminars and coaching. Just pick something - and do it! See what works for you. Experimentation is the best form of experience. If you don't like how something is going, change it. Keep exploring until you find something you like that gives you the results that you want.
3. People think that they lack the resources. The number one excuse most people will immediately cite as to why they don't live healthier lifestyles is that they lack the TIME. I think that when given serious thought and contemplation, most of us will admit that excuse is complete BS. We all have the same 24 hours in a day - it's how we spend our time that will yield results in our lives and determine our level of success in all areas of life. As far as resources go, they are vital in your quest to achieve optimum health and properly maintain your body. I would be willing to bet there are plenty of affordable resources available to most people in the form of running/walking groups, personal trainers, dietitians, coaches and apps and products such as FitBit. If you can't afford these resources, then cut out something unnecessary or counterproductive in your life such as cable TV or daily visits to the coffee shop. You might find that cutting those things will not only free up $, but also... TIME!