Lifestyle: Make a Commitment!

One of the most important things you can do when embarking on a fitness program or lifestyle is make a commitment. Make a commitment to yourself and to making this a lifelong journey. It's good to make a clear decision and a choice about what you really want. This can always be modified later on but it's important to be honest with yourself. Whether its for health or aesthetic reasons its imperative that you know why you're making this change in your life. Figure out what your goals are and what are the results you're looking for. I think it's wonderful when people tell me it's for both aesthetic and health reasons, mostly because it rings true. If you're willing to be honest with me you're more likely to be honest with yourself as well. If its only for aesthetic reasons thats okay too because you'll get health benefits from being more in shape either way you slice it.

Once you make a commitment, you have parameters to work within, one being able to identify what your goals are and the other being your willingness to attain them. Shifting your priorities to dedicate hours of your life to working out, paying attention to your body, eating healthfully and making choices that support the vision of yourself and the life you want to be leading is major one and not to be treated lightly. Nor do I want it to be something one obsesses over but just like learning a new language or a new skill it will take a consistent effort. Get honest about what it will take to achieve your goals and start right away not the next day or next Monday. It means doing what you can do today that supports your goals.

This means making reasonable demands on yourself. Give yourself specific realistic targets while also challenging your body and your normal parameters. If you set goals you can achieve but challenge you this will increase your self confidence and give you more incentive to continue. Your foundation is your commitment. If you accept responsibility for your fitness, when you are inclined to make a choice that doesn't support your overall intentions (and you will) you will have your commitment to ground you. I try to focus on it being a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix or an obligation. It's a choice you make and it includes the reality that you will falter upon occasion and make decisions that don't support your intention and that's the truth Ruth. But if this is a lifestyle lifelong commitment there is room for a cookie and sometimes you won't make it to the gym but that won't mean that you have fallen off the proverbial wagon and all is lost. I assure you that with in the context of the commitment to yourself you will find it easier to adhere to your goals.
YOU ARE WORTH THE COMMITMENT YOU MAKE TO YOURSELF.