And here we are again. Another calendar year has finished…and another holiday season full of cookies, booze, and cheer has passed. If you’re like most, you may have seen your health and hotness slip up a little bit. No prob! The best time to plant a tree was two years ago. The second best time is today. Let’s get crackin’!
…what’s that, gentle reader? You’re not sure where to begin? Never fear. Here are some strategies to kick some major fitness ass in 2012.
1) Write It Down! – Seriously. Write it down. It’s no coincidence that virtually every major goal setting book expounds on the importance of writing your goals down. Now I’m not gonna get all metaphysical on you, but trust me, it’s not enough just to “think it” or even to “know it.” If it matters, WRITE IT DOWN.
I think most folks would benefit from taking some time and writing down some specific goals for ALL realms of their life. How much money are you going to make? What places will you visit on vacation? What hot guys or gals are you going to make out with? WRITE IT DOWN.
(Just hide that shit if it’s incriminating. “Grandma!! What the F#$K are you doing reading my journal?!? And what are you messaging to (hot chick) on Facebook?! Oh… sweet… that IS a good line. High five Grandma!”)
Oh Grandma…you’re such a player.
If you have a serious health and hotness goal, write it out while you’re listing your goals for 2012. And if you don’t have a specific goal…see number 2.
2) Be Specific – A general goal isn’t going to be as helpful as a specific goal. You want to get hot? Awesome. What do we need to do? Lose 10 pounds of body fat? Maintain the same body weight but reduce your body fat percentage by 3%? Add 5 pounds of muscle?
It’s not uncommon for people to want it all – lose 15 pounds, gain 10 pounds of muscle, put 40 pounds on their bench, and train for a half marathon. Unfortunately, when one chases two rabbits, oftentimes they both get away. When one chases seven rabbits…
Now don’t get me wrong, I want you to have it all! You just can’t pursue it all at once. Decide on one goal and go after it ferociously for a set time period. Then, when you’ve achieved it, move on to the next item on your list. (Bonus Tip: You will generally be better off leaning out before adding substantial muscle.)
3) Focus On Behavior, Not Outcomes – This may seem a little contradictory to the last strategy, but follow me on this one. Bodies are complex organisms. They take a while to respond to a new health and hotness regime, and I’ve seen impatience ruin many a physical journey. Once you’ve established your goal, let go of it and focus relentlessly on the process.
If you’re looking to lose 10 pounds of body fat, maybe you’re going to make sure you get protein at every meal. Or maybe you’re gonna hit 5 workouts a week. Or maybe you’re gonna toss out all those left over Christmas cookies. Whatever you decide to do, focus your attention and energy on the PROCESS, and let the results have the space they need to come.
Now if you’re unsure of what strategies will serve your goal, you may need to get some help. Happily…that’s kind of what we do at MFF. Click here for all the sexy details about how we can help you be your best ever in 2012.
I sure do love a New Year. A fresh start. A sense of renewal after a restful few weeks in December when the whole world seems to chill out for a little bit (even here in NYC, not exactly the most laid back place in the world). While I’m not big on “resolutions” per se, I AM big on goals. And there’s something to be said for a reinvestment of one’s energy after the recharging of the holidays.
So remember: Write down your goals. Be specific. Focus on the process. Ask for help if you need it. Don’t underestimate grandma’s game.
I sincerely hope 2011 was a great year for you, and I hope 2012 is even BETTER. You effin’ rock, and I hope to see you at the MFF Ninja Clubhouse!