DO NOT make a New Year's Resolution

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Christian Bossert - cbossert

For most people, New Year’s resolutions simply do not work. The follow-through with a New Year's resolution is nearly as predictable as snow in Florida. HIGHLY unlikely. Let’s talk about the famous 1960s-1970s Stanford “Marshmallow Study.” In this study they brought in 4-6 year old children and presented them with an Oreo cookie, a marshmallow, and a pretzel. The children were told that they would receive a second treat if they waited 15 minutes. Some children immediately ate their treat, while others patiently waited the 15 minutes in order to receive two treats instead of one. The researchers then followed up with the participants during the 1980s. What they found was amazing. The children who delayed gratification during the Marshmallow Study were more likely to be fulfilled in their life, career, relationships in their adult lives.

What does this tell us? Quick easy results may not give us what we're looking for. One of the best decisions one can make is to not make New Year’s resolutions, but to make goals instead. Multiple goals. Physical, professional, relationship, and personal bucket list goals. Where is somewhere you have always wanted to visit? Is there someone, a friend or family member, that you wish you talked to more? Are you satisfied with where you currently are in your career? Set big goals. Losing weight is not a good goal. It’s not. Wanting to lose weight just for the sake of losing weight isn’t going to do anything for you. What is the reason behind losing weight? Is it to look good in a bathing suit? Why the heck is that important? Who doesn’t want to look good in a bathing suit. This is a good start, but not sufficient to implement the will power necessary when times are rough in February. When life is crazy and it seems like you don’t have time for anything, your relationship, bucket list, spiritual and professional goals will carry you towards making decisions that reflect where you want to be in six months.  

Researchers have looked at success rates of people’s resolutions: The first two weeks usually go along beautifully, but by February people are backsliding. And by the following December most people are back where they started—often even further behind. Why do so many people not keep their resolutions? Are people just weak-willed or lazy?

According to researcher John Norcross and his colleagues, who published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, approximately 50 percent of the population makes resolutions each New Year. Among the top resolutions are weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, better money management and debt reduction.

I’m not asking you to write down what you need. An “I need to lose weight” mentality is setting the bar low for yourself. This isn’t about what you need. It’s crazy when we start to realize that we limit ourselves by setting these yearly ‘resolutions’. We always do it. I’m encouraging you to think about what you want. In your wildest craziest dreams, what is it you want. Start every single day with gratitude. Find three things that you are thankful for each day. Then think big. Lean into fear, get out of your comfort zone, and go after what you WANT! 

Pack on the Pounds

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Christian Bossert - cbossert

Odds are you will put on weight over the holidays. If you didn’t have experience in this area you wouldn’t be reading this. It’s okay, you’re not alone. I too have experience in indulging in “too much Christmas ham.”

We know how to do it. It’s easy. A cookie here. A cocktail there. Pecan pie? Why not? It’s the holidays. You should indulge. This is what we’re told. This is what we know. Why should this change? I’ll tell you why. It is because you want to change. You are tired of gaining weight. And you are over busting your behind to lose it in January.

Since I have your attention let’s collaborate. Let’s make a game plan this holiday season not to pack on the pounds. Enjoy the food that comes along with the celebration, but have a strategy to counter our limited willpower.  

1. Drink Water You know this. You know how to do it. Make it happen. Water is found in its pure source, sparkling, fruits, and vegetables. Fruits and veggies have a ton of water in them, but it’s difficult to determine how much. Bottom line, these foods will keep you hydrated and feeling good. Shoot for at least eight 8 ounce cups a day. Drinking water will help you feel fuller and help you avoid over-eating. I love the app Plant Nanny. It provides a fun incentive to keep track of your water intake, plus it sends reminders when you go too long without drinking water.

2. Movement Simply getting off our arses during the holidays isn’t easy. How do I know? I’m one of you. I used to sit around watching football, movies, and playing video games. In recent years decided to make a change. Scheduling activity into my day such as a yoga class, running, weight lifting or playing a sport have made a major impact in my will power, and helps start burning off those mashed potatoes.

3. Lay off talking politics How often has a political discussion left you feeling peaceful? I can’t say that I feel too good following a heated political discussion. Going political can be a willpower killer.  When we feel frustrated, we are inclined to make unhealthy choices, such as more alcohol and greasy food. We all have opinions. Sometimes we don’t agree. This is a good thing. Otherwise we would be in North Korea where we wouldn’t be able to share our opinions at all. If politics do come up shift the convo in another direction. Did you see Star Wars? what are your thoughts? Who wins, Alabama or Clemson? Stranger Things?

Since you’ve made it this far you clearly intend to keep in shape when most people throw their hands up in defeat. Mucho applause for your determination and willpower. Total role model you are!