A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. Making a resolution for the new year is a long time tradition.  The idea behind starting fresh with the new year is sound. However, it often means starting each year with a “out of the gate” failure.

So first of all if you need permission, I HERE BY GIVE YOU PERMISSION NOT TO MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION.

If you insist. Try to make the goal realistic. You are most likely not going to lose 50 pounds in 3 months. How about making that 25 pounds? That much will make a real difference, believe me. You are not going to exercise every day.  You are not even suppose to! Rest days actually increase your progress and is better for the body. You are not going to give up coffee cold turkey.  You’ll get a caffeine headache in the afternoon and take up drinking Coke. Cutting back slowly is more realistic.

Resolutions are about getting to something better. Sitting yourself up and stressing yourself out is not getting to better. Be realistic.  Be honest about who you are. Are resolutions really for you?  Do you need to keep a goal under wraps? Do you need a cheering section? Do you really WANT to do this or thinking you SHOULD?  Do you think you would feel better if you lost 30 pounds or just going to go with the 75 pounds the doctor said and get discouraged? Do you need help? Is this really YOUR resolution or is it being forced on you?

If I could impose a resolution on you it would be that in the new year you will do everything with honesty and loving compassion toward yourself.

Stay tuned. More about resolutions coming up.