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We are just over a month into 2014, and I thought it would be a good time to review those New Year resolutions and see how everyone is doing. As I started the New Year with a lot of energy and motivation, I can’t say that I have made much progress into 2014, at least not as much as I expected. And it doesn’t matter. What matters is how you and I are going to keep going some more into the first quarter. Because there may be many excuses, but if you manage to change your habits over the long terms, the results will be amazing.
Run X times a week
My resolution was to run three times a week. But it has been raining a lot and the trail outside my house is so muddy I would have mud up to my ankles. Not an ideal setting to train.
Looking for the excuse, I realize that I could actually walk for a mile or so, until I get to a drier place, then exercise there. As it has been raining by night, I have also changed my habit of going for a run as soon as I wake up, and waiting for the afternoon sun to dry the trail. But by 5pm most of your willpower is gone. So if you run in the morning, then you can do less demanding things for the rest of the day.
Eat healthier
I don’t eat only steamed vegetables, but overall I think I have a pretty clean diet since I shop locally and make almost everything from scratch. But I know it is a struggle for a lot of you, and many are looking for healthy eats as a way to lose weight and feel better as well.
Looking for the excuse, people generally blame the lack of time to prepare proper meal and shop carefully. You can shop online with a lot of supermarkets now making it super convenient, like remembering your base list of milk, bread and eggs so you just have to add the vegetables and other seasonal items. If you value your time, and take into account your gas mileage and depreciation, the delivery fee is really affordable.
You can prepare a batch of meals and freeze them over the weekend, so you have easy portions for the week. You can also try a slow cooker, to set in the morning so you come back home to a healthy hot meal. It doesn’t get simpler than this.
Stop smoking
Maybe the toughest one of all, because it requires a huge change in your habits. My mum has been trying for years to reduce and stop smoking, without success.
Looking for the excuse, “it’s hard” comes back often, “I really enjoy one or two a day” even though you’d smoke a pack of not so enjoyable ones on top, “I know I should, but…” you just lack the willpower. Habits are hard to change. You’ll miss having something in your hand to play with, the smoke… Electronic cigarettes such as VIP Electronic Cigarette can help you transition smoothly from your smoking habit to a non smoking one. E-cigs still have nicotine but not the other ingredients, and progressively you can reduce the nicotine does to almost nothing. Another way to stay motivated is to figure out how much you’ll save in your monthly budget. A £6 pack a day is £2,190 per year! That is a pretty big holiday or shopping trip you could reward yourself with if you do manage to stop.