| ‘Thinking’ Your Resolutions Into Reality |
Well, the lights are down and the tree is curbside,
awaiting its transformation to bless someone’s garden
with beautiful mulch. The candles are all carefully
nestled away, along with all of the boxes, tissue paper,
buttons and bows that had cluttered the family-room
floor.
As I sat quietly sipping my tea this morning, my home
felt a little dry and honestly quite dull. No tree, no
sparkling lights against the ceiling, no garland
crisscrossing the railing of our stairs, no brightly lit
greenery draping the fireplace… It felt as though my
home was whispering to me, asking me why: Why
couldn’t we just invite another holiday to come and stay for a while? Another one to warm the cold, bitter
bite of the winter breeze again, another one that could bring with it a generous dusting of adorning glitter,
bright lights and the laughter and love that our family and friends had supplied.
We have a while to wait for that, but it seems almost sadly comical that during the most dry, dull and dank
days of winter, we are supposed to jump on our New Year’s Resolutions with a renewed vigor and vitality
that we just packed away! Don’t you just love irony?
New Year’s resolutions are made every year with great excitement and anticipation, surrounded by a
holiday glow that leads us to believe that “anything is possible.” Sometimes, there’s also a little bit of
holiday-induced thinking involved — We make these resolutions while streamers and confetti are falling,
people are kissing folks they don’t even know and sipping on glasses of “oh what the heck” champagne,
only to wake up on Jan. 1st thinking, “I said I’d start doing what?”
I told myself years ago that I’d stop making resolutions because I felt that, for me, they ended up being
nothing more than a glorified wish list of things I had wanted to do but failed to accomplish. Instead,
throughout the year I choose goals and set timelines to complete them.
Having said that… I actually think that resolutions can be a good idea. The problem is that we seem to
think that just because a big crystal ball drops when the clock strikes 12, there’s some kind of “willpower
fairy” wielding a New Year’s magic wand to make it all come true. Honestly, if we haven’t figured out how
to transform our desires into reality before New Year’s Eve, no Times Square crystal ball will mystically
change us into masters of our domain come the next morning.
There are plenty of resolutions out there, but topping the list every year are goals pertaining to Weight
Loss and Fitness. I had the distinct pleasure of texting a few of my nutrition clients on New Year’s Day
applauding them for waking up this January 1st finally being 30, 40 and 55 pounds lighter.
How did they do it? First, by finally taking responsibility; second, by choosing their goals wisely; third, by
investing in help that provided them with a plan specific to them that includes a timeline; fourth, by adding
no nonsense, non-negotiable accountability; and fifth, by focusing on the fact that time is ticking. They took
on an “it’s now or never” kind of thinking and developed what I call their mental muscle!
Folks, the reality is that all of this stuff is accomplished with the power of the mind! So here are six steps
that will have you developing and then using your mental muscle to think your resolutions into reality!
So, let’s remember that life is brief; tomorrow isn’t promised. After breaking my neck in a car accident
three years ago, I’m a little closer to that thought now than ever before. What a gift that was! Don’t wait for a
life-threatening accident to catch this vision.
If you are wondering why I haven’t included a specific eating plan here, it’s because you can find success
with many healthy-eating programs. Find the one you like best, that has a reasonable caloric deficit, that
uses real healthy food, and stick to it.
The problem isn’t the program. Until you master these six steps, no program I or anyone else will give you
will work. Find out why you haven’t stuck to what you’ve used in the past, and then you’re on your way to
developing the mental muscle necessary to get the job done. It’s all accomplished with the power of the
mind.
Let’s go get it. … I’m with you!
Candace
For more individualized programs, contact Candace. Visit the CONTACT US page for an entire
Personalized Dietary Plan that will work for you. If you would like to speak with someone who has
graduated from Fit Is It’s Weight Loss Boot Camp, let us know, or join our new upcoming online Fit Is It
weekly weight loss program for only $5.99 a month. Contact us for details.
Candace Grasso is CEO and Founder of Fit Is It, Inc.
With more than 18 years of experience in the fitness industry,
she holds six national certifications, including Nutrition
Specialist with The American Academy of Sports Dietitians
and Nutritionists. As a professional athlete, she has been honored
by PowerBar with membership to the prestigious Team Elite. She
has traveled the world coaching, teaching and motivating others,
and can be seen on WBAL, Baltimore’s NBC television affiliate, as
a weekend fitness expert. Visit www.fitisitcardio.com to learn how
you can download her new Cardio Fit workouts, including stress
management with her new Stretch fit and Relax Series.
The above article was written by Candace Grasso,
February 2009 for www.fitisitcardio.com
To contact Candace, email her at candace@fitisitcardio.com
awaiting its transformation to bless someone’s garden
with beautiful mulch. The candles are all carefully
nestled away, along with all of the boxes, tissue paper,
buttons and bows that had cluttered the family-room
floor.
As I sat quietly sipping my tea this morning, my home
felt a little dry and honestly quite dull. No tree, no
sparkling lights against the ceiling, no garland
crisscrossing the railing of our stairs, no brightly lit
greenery draping the fireplace… It felt as though my
home was whispering to me, asking me why: Why
couldn’t we just invite another holiday to come and stay for a while? Another one to warm the cold, bitter
bite of the winter breeze again, another one that could bring with it a generous dusting of adorning glitter,
bright lights and the laughter and love that our family and friends had supplied.
We have a while to wait for that, but it seems almost sadly comical that during the most dry, dull and dank
days of winter, we are supposed to jump on our New Year’s Resolutions with a renewed vigor and vitality
that we just packed away! Don’t you just love irony?
New Year’s resolutions are made every year with great excitement and anticipation, surrounded by a
holiday glow that leads us to believe that “anything is possible.” Sometimes, there’s also a little bit of
holiday-induced thinking involved — We make these resolutions while streamers and confetti are falling,
people are kissing folks they don’t even know and sipping on glasses of “oh what the heck” champagne,
only to wake up on Jan. 1st thinking, “I said I’d start doing what?”
I told myself years ago that I’d stop making resolutions because I felt that, for me, they ended up being
nothing more than a glorified wish list of things I had wanted to do but failed to accomplish. Instead,
throughout the year I choose goals and set timelines to complete them.
Having said that… I actually think that resolutions can be a good idea. The problem is that we seem to
think that just because a big crystal ball drops when the clock strikes 12, there’s some kind of “willpower
fairy” wielding a New Year’s magic wand to make it all come true. Honestly, if we haven’t figured out how
to transform our desires into reality before New Year’s Eve, no Times Square crystal ball will mystically
change us into masters of our domain come the next morning.
There are plenty of resolutions out there, but topping the list every year are goals pertaining to Weight
Loss and Fitness. I had the distinct pleasure of texting a few of my nutrition clients on New Year’s Day
applauding them for waking up this January 1st finally being 30, 40 and 55 pounds lighter.
How did they do it? First, by finally taking responsibility; second, by choosing their goals wisely; third, by
investing in help that provided them with a plan specific to them that includes a timeline; fourth, by adding
no nonsense, non-negotiable accountability; and fifth, by focusing on the fact that time is ticking. They took
on an “it’s now or never” kind of thinking and developed what I call their mental muscle!
Folks, the reality is that all of this stuff is accomplished with the power of the mind! So here are six steps
that will have you developing and then using your mental muscle to think your resolutions into reality!
- 1. Take Responsibility. I received a beautiful bracelet for Christmas that has an engraved heart on
it. On one side it says “Do It” – turn it over and it says “Now!”Today is the day! It has nothing to do
with the excuses or explanations that you are already formulating as to why it can’t be now. I don’t
believe in excuses. You decide when it’s time. You decide when you’ve had enough. You need to
finally understand that you are responsible for what you do with the rest of your life. It’s that simple
and yet that hard.
Let’s leave the past where the definition of the word puts it … behind you … and start looking
forward now! I’m heading that way too, so we’re all on this road together.
2. Choose Goals Wisely. Start with a goal that is an Immediate Results Motivator. Results breed
motivation! If you start seeing significant results, you are more likely not to quit. That being the
case, pick one goal that has the potential of giving you immediate gratification. And no, I don’t
mean trying to lose 10 pounds in a week!For example, I gave up using expletives about 22 years
ago. I have probably slipped and used less than 20 in 22 years. I consider that a huge success. I
just stopped. That’s a goal that carries with it the possibility of immediate gratification.
Now, pick only one or two more goals, max. Maybe one that has really been dogging you for years,
and then one that is a little less intense. Any more than that and you’ll be blown out of the water by
too many disciplines at once and nothing will get accomplished.
3. Make A Plan That Includes A Timeline. You may have heard it before, but the difference between
a dream and a goal is a timeline! We can sit around and talk up a storm about what we’d like to do
or be, but unless we turn the talk into action, it remains a dream.As the saying goes, we have to
“plan our work and work our plan.” Without a plan and a clear-cut timeline in which to achieve it,
well, as my dad used to say, “Pee Wee (that’s what he called me), it ain’t gonna happen”!
Let’s say your goal is to start working out on a regular basis. Decide how to make that a reality.
Look for a club near your area and inquire about a membership. Visit it once or twice before joining
to see if it offers what you want. Also, consider whether you want equipment in your home in
addition to or instead of a club membership. Hire a trainer for at least a one-time consultation. This
appointment should include learning about both options, (in-home or club ideas) and give you an
individualized fitness program developed just for you that is specific to your goals. Next, be sure
that this program will realistically fit into your lifestyle and set you up for success. Then, pull out
your schedule and enter the days and times you will be devoting to your goal. Keep a fitness bag in
your care containing your workout clothes, shoes and gear. This kind of preparation will keep you
in the game and allow you to still fit in a workout even if your day gets sidelined by the unexpected
… LIFE!
Lastly, set your timelines. Your trainer will be helpful for realistic expectations here as well.
Believe it or not, after owning my fitness company for 18 years now, Sunday afternoons I still pull
out my schedule and put in the days and times that I will be working out in the upcoming week. If
someone wants my time during that workout, I can honestly say that I am unavailable as “I have an
appointment at that time.” And I do … it’s with me!
You must schedule yourself just like you schedule everything and everyone else, or it won’t happen.
4. Tell Someone. Scary, huh? Years ago, I started incorporating this idea into my nutrition
counseling. I have my clients call me daily with reports on how they are doing, their weight, etc.,
until the completion of their time with me or until they reach their goals and “graduate” from the
program. When we added this, our success rate skyrocketed.So, let me be the guinea pig and I’ll
go first…
My less intense goal is to get more sleep. It’s been dogging me for years. I can start working on
this now and hope to have it under my belt very soon. How? I start by reminding myself that I am
the one who won’t get in bed on time. It’s my choice to live tired, less safe on the road, less
creative and less healthy. When I see it that way, I ask myself why I would do that to myself and to
the others around me who get hit by my crankiness. It’s my responsibility to choose better, and it’s
within my power to change.
My second goal is that I am going to write a book. This is a much more daunting goal, and one that
will take at least a year to complete.
Get my drift? Just telling myself I will do it isn’t enough – telling others is what makes me
accountable.
When you tell others, you set yourself up to have others watching. So now all of you can call me on
this.. It’s been my joke for years, but it carries much truth: “Sometimes peer pressure can be a very
good thing”!
5. Focus On The Brevity Of Life. What?! That’s not fun. Maybe not, but it’s a reality.Reminding
ourselves that life is short will serve to propel us forward and help to end procrastination. I’ve often
picked up the phone and told a close friend I loved them because I’d felt an overwhelming urge to
do it today. It’s a great way to start really living!
- Yesterday has passed and tomorrow isn’t promised – what we do have is the present. And that’s
exactly what it is – a present to us if we use it wisely!
6. Finally, let go of fear. If we say we really, really want to do something but don’t, fear is often the
culprit.A dear friend once gave me a paperweight that says, “What would you do if you thought you
couldn’t fail?” For weeks it bothered me and I didn’t know why. Then it hit me … I’d do the same
darn thing I’d do if I thought I might! It’s learning from our mistakes that makes us smarter, wiser
more well rounded, whole and empathetic. One of my favorite phrases – “Feel the fear and do it
anyway” – is definitely apropos here.
So, let’s remember that life is brief; tomorrow isn’t promised. After breaking my neck in a car accident
three years ago, I’m a little closer to that thought now than ever before. What a gift that was! Don’t wait for a
life-threatening accident to catch this vision.
If you are wondering why I haven’t included a specific eating plan here, it’s because you can find success
with many healthy-eating programs. Find the one you like best, that has a reasonable caloric deficit, that
uses real healthy food, and stick to it.
The problem isn’t the program. Until you master these six steps, no program I or anyone else will give you
will work. Find out why you haven’t stuck to what you’ve used in the past, and then you’re on your way to
developing the mental muscle necessary to get the job done. It’s all accomplished with the power of the
mind.
Let’s go get it. … I’m with you!
Candace
For more individualized programs, contact Candace. Visit the CONTACT US page for an entire
Personalized Dietary Plan that will work for you. If you would like to speak with someone who has
graduated from Fit Is It’s Weight Loss Boot Camp, let us know, or join our new upcoming online Fit Is It
weekly weight loss program for only $5.99 a month. Contact us for details.
Candace Grasso is CEO and Founder of Fit Is It, Inc.
With more than 18 years of experience in the fitness industry,
she holds six national certifications, including Nutrition
Specialist with The American Academy of Sports Dietitians
and Nutritionists. As a professional athlete, she has been honored
by PowerBar with membership to the prestigious Team Elite. She
has traveled the world coaching, teaching and motivating others,
and can be seen on WBAL, Baltimore’s NBC television affiliate, as
a weekend fitness expert. Visit www.fitisitcardio.com to learn how
you can download her new Cardio Fit workouts, including stress
management with her new Stretch fit and Relax Series.
The above article was written by Candace Grasso,
February 2009 for www.fitisitcardio.com
To contact Candace, email her at candace@fitisitcardio.com
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| It's Time To Flex Some Mental Muscle |
| By Candace Grasso, CEO and Founder of Fit Is It, Inc. |
