res·o·lu·tion:
noun | a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Synonyms: intention, resolve, plan, intent… etc.
New Year’s Resolutions get a bad rap. Why? Do they seem like a lost cause? Considering only 8% of people’s “NYR’s” are deemed “successful”, it makes sense that the tradition is ho-hum.
So, why only 8%? Is it a lack of willpower? Are our goals unreasonable? Not inspiring or exciting enough? Or do our original goals change in time? Maybe it’s all of the above.
Why make NYR’s anyways? Who needs to think about silly little plans or changes in order to achieve, right? If it’s important enough, we’ll do it without needing a plan.
But what about going on a vacation, buying a new car or crossing the finish line of your first 5k like our Athlete of the Month, Suzy?
Those achievements typically don’t happen without a plan. The accomplishment of those goals provide joyful experiences, strengthened confidence and bring life to you AND your loved ones. Making plans brings life! Not to say that life doesn’t happen without a plan but some planning is required for experiences that can be life-changing.
We’re pretty familiar with the benefits of purposefully setting goals and implementing a plan to get you there. That whole “marathon thing” requires resolutions left and right. From the initial decision to run, to what your time goal is, when you will be able to get your daily runs in, equipping yourself with the right shoes and running gear to keep your body healthy, etc. You might be able to finish 26.2 miles without a training plan but race day will be ugly. A structured plan will ensure a MUCH better outcome. You will become stronger, mentally and physically every week, your race day will be more successful and GRATIFYING. Most importantly, you never know who you are inspiring by your works.
Don’t just take our word for it, read about these first time marathoner’s experience at the Pensacola Marathon and their thoughts on “the training plan”.
So why not put in the little extra effort? Be purposeful in all you set out to do and don’t shy away from aiming high.
Start here:
We invite you to plan big (and starting small) in 2017.
- Set two small goals that can be attained by the end of January (ex: “I will exercise for a minimum of two days a week” or “I will call/reconnect with one person every week that I haven’t talked to in awhile”) this will help keep the goal setting attainable and keep you encouraged. Reset for February with two goals to maintain through the month. Etc.
- Then one mega goal for 2017 that you work on for the year (Maybe your first half-marathon? Start small with a 5k! We have training programs for that!!! ). Daisy Weckerly, Derek Olford and Barbara White can all attest to small goals leading to BIG change! Along the way, maybe the big goal changes and that’s OK! The main goal is to keep setting goals, as small as necessary, to stay motivated to truck along in becoming the best YOU that you can be.
- The Key to Your Success: GET YOUR TEAM! Gather your trusted crew (or maybe just one accountability partner) and ask them to support you in your goals. Check in at least once a week and share your progress AND the obstacles you may have faced. Encourage others to join you in setting goals and be their support crew, too. It’s a big circle of love. Spread it!
- Reminder: life is not black-and-white. It is a kaleidoscope of ever-changing craziness. I mean, where did 2016 even go?! SO if the original goal gets knocked off track or it becomes lack-luster, don’t fret! Simply readjust what that next small step needs to be. A “step (or five) backwards” (and we WILL have them) this doesn’t mean that the next step won’t be forward.
Planning for setbacks is just as big a part of the puzzle as the ultimate achievement.Here’s some of our staff’s 2017 resolutions:
Cherie
Small goals:
1) To exercise joyfully 6 days a week for a minimum of 20 minutes…at least. Exercise can include but not limited to air squats, push-ups and planks. A yoga class, swim class, run or bike ride would be the icing on the cake!
2) To reach out to an old friend to make a “new friend” OR a family member once a week. My brain also needs to be challenged to remember names. I’m really bad about that.
My BIG goal for 2017: To get a few triathlons in and secretly to beat Mike Overton in just ONE of them so that I can have bragging rights in the back office…until the next race. (There’s been big time rivalry/love going on between these two for some time now…. we expect 2017 to get a little dicey).
Mike
Small goals:
1) To take a continuing education course in fitness/nutrition. I have my masters in Business, a Bachelors in Exercise Science and am now craving knowledge to improve my personal training.
2) To strength train 2-days a week. I run and/or ride almost every day but have started to feel fatigue in my muscles.
My BIG goal for 2017: I’d like to do at least one 70.3 (Half-Ironman triathlon). This will require lots of small goals to prep for. (Watch out, Cherie!)
Camila
Small goals:
1) Educating myself on proper nutrition. It is so important to properly fuel yourself, especially when exercising. I’d like to be informed on what my body needs, for example, more carbs before exercise and protein afterwards.
2) To begin a meal prepping routine. First by getting a menu together for the week, then creating a grocery list. I’m thinking shopping on Saturdays and cooking on Sundays!
My BIG goal for 2017: To be eating all nutritious, home-cooked meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner that I have prepped for myself. You get one body, gotta take care of it!
SO, get out a pen and paper and write out your 2017 Goals.
We’ll have your shoe, apparel, and fitness gadgets covered! As well as group runs and training programs, too!
