Off on the right foot to 2010

Happy 2010 everyone!

I started out my new year with a 10K and my favorite Pilates DVD—Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates with Ellen Barrett. The only thing this DVD doesn’t have is a section for arms, but it doesn’t matter because it still rocks.

I decided to run outside because the weather has been so crappy these last few weeks that it hasn’t allowed for it. Plus, I’m trying to avoid going to the gym for the next few weeks because, let’s be honest, going to the gym this time of year is a mad house. From the week after Christmas through the first few weeks of January, the freaks come out. I say that with love, of course, but come on—you know the scene: it’s almost like people are coming out of the woodwork taking up the treadmills and sweating all over the balance balls.

It’s really annoying.

It wouldn’t be so bad if they knew what they were doing, but most of them don’t. You can just see in their eyes and by the way they’re huffing and puffing that their gym craze won’t last; and sure enough by the end of January, I can get a treadmill again.

Which brings me to my New Years rant: Making Resolutions.

I get the whole, “New Year New Me,” mindset, but come on…the idea of waiting until January 1 each year to set all of your goals I think is the reason why so many people fail each year. Think about it:  They swear off all things evil; i.e. sweets, alcohol, anything with fat, anything that tastes good; and swear that they will go to the gym every day and workout for at least an hour each time. They promise themselves that they will lose 40 pounds NOW, no matter what it takes, etc., etc.

No wonder they fail!

And it’s not just goals to lose weight. I’m talking about everything from saving money to starting your own business.

Don’t get me wrong: I do believe in the premises of New Years Resolutions. Setting a goal is the perfect way to make changes in your life, but waiting until New Years Day to start making those changes, and swearing to make them all at once, is completely unnecessary and an invite for failure. I personally believe that setting smaller goals throughout the year is much more attainable. There is no added pressure to keep up with everyone else’s resolutions, and no one even needs to know you made any.

I tend to change my goals up seasonally. Things change throughout the year, so setting goals to go with those changes works best for me. I can’t say on New Year’s Eve that I’m going to save X amount of money each month for the year because what if I get laid off? Trust me, it’s happened. Twice in one year (last year.)

I know people like to have check lists to check off and that’s fine. If you want to list all your goals at once, do that; but then set smaller goals to get to your  bigger goals. It makes getting to your destination much less stressful. Oh, and starting on New Years Day is never a good idea. Wait a few days. No need for the extra pressure.

So on that note, here’s to a great 2010! Happy New Year all.