You Play, You Pay and "Resolutionaries"

We all know that we should ring in the New Year by celebrating responsibly, i.e. if you drink and drive, you are an idiot (sorry, did I just use that word...).  Yet, as someone who preaches a "No Excuses" lifestyle, I would also tell you that should you stay up too late (or early as the case may be) and have too much poison (crappy food and booze), than you still need to get your butt outta bed to train on Thursday.  Or, as the post title says, "you play, you pay."  Jody and I are going out to celebrate, yet I will be up and ready to rock the 2 hour Yogathon class at 9am.  And, I already have my personal practice planned for when I get back home.  How 'bout you?  

I would also add that IF you plan to indulge in extra calories and alcoholic beverages, plan ahead -- be sure to train earlier in the day, ideally for at least 1 hour.  Eat clean, fresh, healthful foods throughout the day.  Don't go overboard and totally blow it.  Finally, as stated above, get right back in the saddle on Thursday!

"Resolutionaries" -

Resolutionaries is a word I came up with a long time ago for all the people who would crowd up the gym for a month or so and then vanish.  These were the folks who made their New Years resolutions to "lose weight" and "get in shape" so they would come into the gym with vim and vigor and show up 7 days a week.  Yet, inevetably, by March most of the fresh faces were gone and only the long-time regulars remained.  Among the resolutionaries, the common thread I observed is that most of them came in with no plan, little support, and without the deep inner transformation that needs to occur before a "resolution" can be met.  

If you have been a student of mine for any length of time, you know how I feel about resolutions, especially those made on January 1st -- they stink!  In general, resolutions fail within the first 30 days, and certainly by the 90 day mark very few resolutions are kept. Change is a mindset and a lifestyle not a date you write on your calendar.   Resolutions are a moment by moment choice that can be made at any time and there is no need for setting a special date; it can start right now.  What is required for true change and growth is a change in heart, mind, and spirit and a solid, realistic plan.  After that, it's a matter of discipline of the heart, mind, and spirit and sticking to your plan with "No Excuses".

In many ways, this is why I feel that Project: BTWG® is so successful and touches people on a deeper level.  The Project address the body, the mind, and the spirit.  You have a plan, you have support, you have all the tools needed to make true change rather than a half-baked resolution to Nowheresville.

Last week I selected 35 "New Recruits" to participate in the Winter '09 Project: Bridging the Wellness Gap® and I can guarentee you that on January 19th, when their Project officially starts, they will have a proven plan, and strong support network, and they will be Wellness Revolutionaries, not resolutionaries...

If you are not partaking in the Project, I still encourage you to look at your plan for your personal health, fitness, and well-being.  Do you have a plan?  Do you have a vision?  Do you have support?  And remember, change isn't the future.  Change is now; it's in each moment and in each thought, word, and deed.  Change is a lifestyle.    

After the New Year, I will share how Jody and I plan ahead for the upcoming year and how spending a few minutes each week can help to transform your life and take you in the direction you truly want to go.

Until then -- Peace, and Happy New Year!

Chris