Fitness, Business, Fitness Business, & Achieving Life Goals

In April, I’ll be presenting a webinar “Reaching Out to the Non-Exerciser” and this idea just struck me. First, it’s known that change requires two beliefs: “I CAN do it” and “It’s WORTH doing”. Most people know that getting in better shape would be a good thing. One problem lies in the perception of it being enormously difficult “I could never do what they do on the Biggest Loser.” and “Oh, that’s too much. It’s not worth it.” And there you have it. Certainly a big reason non-exercisers continuing to not engage in physical activity.

Now, how do we show them otherwise? PDA: Public Displays of Activity. Organize venues to show non-exercisers that they can do it. Hold PDA events in parks, malls, any large public place. Dance, move, play. Why do you think that Richard Simmons was able to get so many overweight people to get up and “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”? He made exercise safe, “do-able”, and fun. Don’t forget the fun.

Good luck. Please let me know if you hold one. I’ll help spread the word.

Oh, and get the press/media involved. You could even set it up like a flashmob.

Before you take on those resolutions for 2010, Have you asked yourself how you did with those you made for 2009? Classically, people make grand resolutions with all good intentions, but fail for several reasons. Often times they are just unrealistic i.e. I’ll lose 40lbs by Feb.1. Or, it might be that they’ve set the goal, but have no plan as to how to attain it. And when you haven’t been able to achieve your goals, your self esteem goes into the dumper never to be seen again.

Here are some tips on approaching your resolutions:

REALISTIC RESOLUTIONS – Who and/or what are you basing your resolution on? You want to make sure that your goals are truly something YOU can attain. So, just because people on the Biggest Loser can lose big numbers doesn’t men that that’s what you should be shooting for. They do not live your life. They don’t have your responsibilities, time constraints, or other issues.

PROCESS FOCUS - Even better than concentrating on the end result, focus on the process. Sit down and write out a list of all of the things(little and big) you would need to do to reach your goal. If you think more about taking those steps, accomplishing them one by one and taking satisfaction in that, the results wil take care of themselves.  

SUCCESS PERCENTAGE – Rather than looking at your end result as succeed or fail, look at how much of your goal you accomplished. If you only got 50% of your goal, that’s still 50% more than you started with. Anything better is, well… better. And that’s a positive thing. Feel good about that. Gloom, despair, and guilt serve no purpose and only get in the way of continuing to work toward your goals.

So, go ahead and make resolutions, but make ones you can attain, focus on the process, and give yourself credit fo whatever you do achieve.

Have a great, healthy, happy 2010.

Mark Nutting