(1/2023) Everyone looks forward to the future and works toward making the most of moving ahead with their work, talent, family, health and whatever they enjoy. Setting goals is a good way to work toward changing the things you are hoping to improve in your life. People that make New Year's Resolutions have the best of intentions in mind when they decide what they are going to do for the New Year but so many times the goals are not specific enough. Setting a goal to lose weight, stop smoking, exercise more or whatever they choose is a big undertaking without thinking about how to achieve the goal.

The doctor may tell someone they need to lose weight but if he doesn't tell you how to get started it can be a difficult concept for some people. Deciding to do something may be the easy thing. Knowing how to get started, who you may need to help you and charting steps to getting there is a good way to be successful.

Picking a goal and talking to someone who knows how to get started or researching it with a professional can make the task seem much more doable. Deciding to start exercising to lose weight sounds easy, right. Just exercise more. I know from talking with many of my clients that it's not as easy as it sounds. One thing that may make you stick with what you have decided to do is to pick something you like about exercising. Going to a gym and using all the machines and taking a lot of classes may confuse you more.

Pick one thing you know you can be motivated to do for at least 4-6 weeks. Walking is a great first step. Walking is not too much for most people and it can really be fun once you set your mind to it. Walking may already be part of your daily routine and if it is that's great. Pick another activity like swimming two times a week or maybe lifting weights to strengthen your upper arms two times a week. Start with bicep curls until you feel you have conquered them, then move on to triceps. Using all the machines at the gym when you first start may be too much for you to keep up with. Burnout is a big concern when starting any new routine.

Most people tell themselves they don't like to exercise and the more you repeat that the more you believe it. You would be amazed how many people tell me that they don't like exercise but when they start exercising they change their minds after they see how much better they feel. Sticking with whatever you decide to do for at least 6-8 weeks is the trick to seeing if you chose the right activity for you.

Don't put so much pressure on yourself to even make a new year's resolution. Just because it's the beginning of a new year doesn't mean it's the right time for you to start something new. I'm not saying put off starting something to improve your mental, physical or emotional health if you feel it's the right time for you to get started. The doctor may tell you it's time you have to do something or you may have problems in the future.

The doctors recommendation is important and should be listened to carefully. I'm just saying don't let the pressure of the time of year or other people's opinions push you into something you know you won't keep up with. When the time is right you will know it and you will be much more willing to really put your time, heart and soul into improving your well being.

I hope this article has given you some things to think about. Starting a new routine is never easy but sometimes necessary. Picking the right changes to make for yourself is what will keep you committed and motivated to your new daily routines.

The most important thing to start with is "Keep Moving" and that will take you to future endeavors to make you happy with your choices.

I am happy to report that you can find the advertisement for my Open House in this edition of the Journal. Due to the pandemic, this is the first open house I have held since January, 2020. If you have been thinking about starting a healthy exercise routine come see what I have to offer.

Happy New Year to all. I am always available to answer questions and always looking for suggestions to help people. So many of you have shared your ideas and successes with me and that helps me pay it forward to others that may need some fresh ideas. Thank You.