Make Decisions, Not Resolutions

OK.  It's New Year's Eve.  I know that a lot of people are going to make resolutions.  New Year's Resolutions, that is.   It's an annual thing.

Most of the time it is to do something with improving your health.  And most of the time it is a resolution to get more exercise.  That and to eat better. 

Gym memberships skyrocket in January.   Lots of resolutions and good intentions.  And those same gyms that are packed in January and early February (gotta look good for Valentine's Day) are empty of those newbies by March.

There's lots of other things too.  Sleep more.  Spend more quality time with your kids.  Finish that project that you've started too many times.  Quit smoking.  Be kinder, gentler.

Well I want to suggest that you don't make resolutions.  Ever.  I want to suggest that you simply make decisions.

A decision to be healthier.  A decision to do whatever it is that you should be doing but aren't.  Or that you are doing but shouldn't.

I have heard it said by lots of smokers, "you will quit when you decide to."  Not when you promise yourself on New Year's Eve to do it.  Not when you make a resolution that has little chance of surviving cold weather.

When you make a decision to make a change in your life, you're going to do it.  Make a decision to make a lifestyle change and you will do it.  There is no turning back.  There is no empty gym in March.

Make the decision to take better care of yourself.  You've heard it here (too many times, probably), make sure that your primary care physician, whomever he or she might be, knows you by your first name when they run into you in the grocery store. 

Make a decision that you're going to exercise.  Regularly.  Five days a week.  Build it into your schedule.  Build it into your lifestyle.  It's just what you do.  You deserve it.

Make a decision to eat better.  Eat more vegetables and fruits. Especially more green leafy vegetables and things like broccoli and brussels sprouts.  Make sure your meat is lean and know where it comes from. 

Make a decision to end those bad habits.  Smoke?  Quit.  Make the decision.  Other bad habits?  Be honest with yourself and admit that they aren't good for you and then make the decision to stop.

Make a decision to stop and smell the roses.  Seek more laughter, more long walks, more hugs, more sunsets,  more dreaming, more fun, more love.

Need to lose weight?  Make the decision to do the things that will help you get your weight under control.  Don't be unrealistic.  As for all the weight loss plans, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  It's often more journey than destination.

If you ate your way into 2017, walk your way out of 2018.  Happy New Year!