If you haven't noticed I'm blogging again. Well, I'm writing thoughts down... So, here's one.
Why do people wait for the New Year to "get in shape?" What is it about the calendar that trumps desire?
I've been amazed, as a fitness trainer and athlete myself, that the New Year's resolution has done more to catapult people into getting healthy than anything else. I do get it though... the New Year is a time when people make up their minds to end bad habits in favor of good ones. Which, I don't want to disparage. If there are people who are now making decisions to better themselves, who am I to say, "Nay?" But I've yet to meet anyone who has started a New Year's resolution for any reason that has had a true life changing experience that has lasted for any significant length.
Although I am not a pychologist, I have some theories.
1. People prefer the appearance of getting in shape than actually getting in shape! Call it a trend, fad or whatever you choose but I think some people want to look as though they're making the effort without ever intending to put forth the effort.
2. People never realize how difficult it is to get in shape because it was so easy to get out of shape. So, once someone begins a program, diet, or routine the reality of the practice overwhelms them and they decide it is just easier to accept what they've become and they then stop the practice.
3. People are incredibly impatient! In our instant gratification society we think we can start something today and see results tomorrow. Worse yet we think we'll give something a couple of weeks maybe even a month and when we don't see what we were hoping for we tell ourselves it's not working and assume no matter how long I work at this it'll never change!
Let me tell you a secret... those who have succeeded at losing weight and getting in shape don't wait for the New Year, don't diet and (gasp) don't exercise! Now before you think I'm nuts... they do start new habits, eat differently and workout but they don't do it join the ranks, drop pounds or run a mile. They do it to change EVERYTHING! It is a lifestyle change. It becomes a new way of life!
New Year's resolutions just may succeed if you're resolving to lose those 5 pounds. But if that's it... those pounds will return and may invite 10 more. But if you're wanting to change; a date on the calendar is not going to make a difference! Furthermore, we have to ask, how can this New Year's mentality affect our spiritual lives as well? If we resolve to just deal with a habit or a discipline are we really changing?
So, do me a favor... if you're on a diet... don't tell anyone. If you're starting to go to the gym don't tell anyone. If you're really wanting to change. Don't talk about it or wait for the right time... Just do it!
