Another New Year, time for brushing out the old and welcoming in the new.
People around the world from many countries and cultures have for centuries been observing the state of renewal and rebirth at New Year, out with the old and in with the new.
Rituals have evolved in various cultures of ‘starting a fresh’ and while the rituals themselves may vary, there seems to be a common thread in them all. A New Year is an opportunity for reflection and to make the changes that got lost in daily living.
In more recent times the reflection and resolution from the New Year seems less to do with the soul or spirit but more with the physical. In our 21st century we seem to see the New Year as the magic key to Pandora’s box that will solve all our health / fitness and weight related issues.
We see it as an opportunity, a starting point to personal transformation. We set out our list either written or mentally those things we want to change, the areas we wish to transform;
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- Healthier / better lifestyle
- Fitter / more toned / slimmer
- Less stressed / better life balance
Transformation; one definition I have found ‘is a marked change in form, nature, or appearance’ – so when we all sit down and write out our transformation list we are by definition setting out to change our selve.
Having over 20 years experience as a coach, I have found one common thing that sabotages most people at this time of year, the belief that there has to be a ‘That perfect time to start’ – most people are waiting for that perfect moment when the all planets are aligned or all ducks are in a row, -BUT, the truth is, there is never a perfect time or moment to start the change you want to make or to carve out that space that is for you. Its starts with knowing you are worth it – but that nobody is going to give it to you – you have to take it.
You have only ‘you and now’ and believe me ‘now’ is always the perfect time to start.
However, change does not come about by reading all there is on the latest diet plans, change does not come about by pricing all the local Pilates / Yoga classes in your area, change does not come about by buying the very latest in the bare foot running shoes or that fantastic road bike on the bike to work scheme.
Change comes from doing.... for me the words Transformation and Start are a call to ACTION they are calling you to take that first physical step towards that new you.
A call to action starts with a Decision – so which diet are you going to use, what Pilates / Yoga studio are you going to train in, what night will you go running, how long will your first cycle be – make a decision and stick with it – with your decision comes commitment – commitment to doing – in your commitment comes Action.
So take a few small steps and start now
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- Set your expectations - the right time is NOW
- Take the time for your self
- Decide on your form of exercise
- Commit to a location / time / night
- Start even if it’s only a 10 minute walk – one Pilates class per week – JUST START
- Starting can be hard – but you only have to do it once
- Stay positive – things can try to go against you – but remain positive and through to your expectation and preserve
- Get support – find a buddy to train with or seek a Coach that can work with you and keep you motivated
Remember, the perfect time is the time you make a decision.
Decide to do it NOW !
Decide to do it NOW !