Here I am getting ready to head for the gym last month. As we enter 2020, I want to lay the ‘New Years Resolutions’ fallacy to rest. Here's why I don't do resolutions...
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I view my fitness regimen like eating; it’s a daily need for sustenance. It’s that simple. For me, fitness is not a fad, a phase or a lifestyle. It is also not a 'New Years Resolution'. It is simply a part of living. If you don’t eat, it won’t be long before you are unwell. It’s the same with fitness, if you do not move, it won’t be long before you are unwell. So fitness cannot be a 'resolution'. It has to be a regular part of your daily life, plain and simple. Make it so, and you will be happier and healthier for it!
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So why do so many well meaning people fall prey to making 'New Years Resolutions' that over 80% will never keep? Because, a resolution is just a fancy way to say 'choice'. When we 'resolve' to do something, we are attempting to make a choice. And yes, we do choose our state of wellness in many ways. We choose to smoke, or not to. We choose what and how we eat. And we choose whether or not we move. If we make choices that are unhealthy, we end up unhealthy. But choices are fickle. We make good ones and bad ones throughout our life. We need something stronger than choices or resolutions. Ultimately we have an awful lot of control over our wellness. What it all boils down to change. We all think change is hard, but we do it constantly. To change unhealthy behavior, you have to find a healthy behavior you enjoy as much or more, and replace one for the other - permanently. Like smoking after eating? Try replacing that activity with chewing on a cinnamon toothpick while taking a brisk, refreshing walk. It's all about positive change.
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So don't make resolutions. Resolutions are like shiny objects that dazzle for a time, but lose their luster in short measure. Instead make a permanent change for your wellness. Trust me, you'll thank yourself some day for it!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the reasons why so many of us struggle with our commitments to our health and well being. After much thought, I have come to a few conclusions. To begin, I have come to believe that self discipline is not a trait only doled out to a few. We all have the capacity for it within us. It is ironic that the activities and behaviors which are most important for a full, productive life are the very things we forego for things of far less importance. And we allow these things of little importance to swallow up all our hours, days and years, then lament that we just don’t have enough time for the big things, like our well being. The first step to shaking off that delusion is to become aware of it. The next is to make a decision to adjust your lifestyle to make it revolve around those activities and behaviors that are most important. Then, you must commit to a plan, and make sure everyone in your life knows you are taking it seriously. Sounds easy enough right? Okay, so around this time every year, millions of people arrive at this place where they resolve to make that change. But most will inevitably end up sliding back into their former ways. Why is that? Well, I have boiled it down to two things. The first reason for the slide is a lack of will or desire. You have to really want to do those important things! Find whatever it is that motivates or excites you about doing these meaningful activities and make that your reason. Here’s the thing, all the lesser things in your life are made better by your focus on the important stuff, and that important stuff matters. Don’t believe it? Neglect those things for too long and we all find out the hard way how much they matter. Okay, so the first is to increase your desire. The second is to keep things simple. Don’t overcomplicate things, especially at the start of a lifestyle change. People too often make the mistake of trying to change too much too fast. Start small, conquer that, and then add on, slow and steady. When you feel overwhelmed, just do a little! We all have those days when we are just not feeling it. Those are the days that matter the most. On those days, do something, however small, and you will feel like a warrior for keeping your commitment to yourself!
 
So lets review:

1. Become aware of our need to reprioritize what is important
2. Decide to reprioritize our lifestyle
3. Commit to a plan
4. Find what motivates and excites you
5. Keep it simple

 
So there you have it! The five steps to a permanent lifestyle change for your wellness! I would love to be your Personal Trainer!

I am honored that you took the time to pop in and check out my new website. This site might be new, but my passion for bodybuilding and fitness goes back 30 years! The reason I named my fitness biz 'Lifting for Healing' is because lifting weights actually helped heal my body, soul, mind and spirit from the trauma of a decade of terrible child abuse, severe body shaming and bullying. The truth is, I wouldn't be who I am today had I not walked into that health club all those years ago. Bodybuilding and fitness healed me inside and out, and opened the door to a life of purpose and success. So, as my music career has soared to great heights and taken me around the world, behind the scenes has always been my other anchor: resistance training. I have eclipsed the half century mark, and I can tell you my strength and vigor is that of a much younger guy, all because of the time I have spent in the weight room! Both my parents died in their early 50s. My grandfathers died at 38 and 59 respectively. All died young as a result of unhealthy lifestyles. I decided long ago to break that cycle. Now I want to pay it forward and help others do the same. I am proud to be an AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates) Certified Personal Trainer. Let me help you design a program that fits you, your goals and your life! Please comment below, and share the site on your social media. Thanks again for stopping by!