Hit the re-set button: Happy New Year!! Its 2016!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

And yes, I know we are in February. Long time, no speak. How is it going for you? Are you well? I hope the cold isn't slowing you down? Are you keeping up with the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year?

If like me, the answers are 'blah', 'eh', 'of course it is' and 'hell-to-the- no!!!', it's time to hit the re-set button and start over. So like I said...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wasn't ready!!

Every time the new year comes around, my mind is consumed with resolutions and changes that I have to make.

'I will loose weight and be healthy. This year I will join the gym and actually go!' 

(I say as I sip on my home-made Bailey's and Oreo milkshake with full fat whip cream on top)

'I will do better in life by having a more positive outlook'

'I will get a new and better job'

'I will get my finances in check'

(Do I need another pair of black boots which happen to be 70% off on ASOS? Yes. Yes I do)

'I will find a man and have a meaningful relationship' 

(That's actually my mum's resolution for me. Apparently biological my clock is ticking so loud my family back home in Nigeria are calling worried for me)

I remember one year, many moons back, when I actually to joined a gym. I had the plan of going 4 times a week. I wanted to be healthier, fitter and this for me was the way to do it. A friend of mine who's a gym-addict, laughed at me when I told him I'd joined.

Mr Fitness First is a happy man.

He said to me, "don't be like those sheep who jump on the new year wave. New members flock to the gym on this new year kick and all they do is make Mr Fitness First a very happy man. Once the bug has worn off, the sheep stay home. It's great for me when because I get my space back to do a proper workout. The extra bodies really cramp my style". *Cue the biceps flex*

Look mate I didn't complain when you gym lot crowded my favourite bars during Christmas because you wanted to wanted to get into the 'festive mood'. I'm just saying.

Anyway, it's not just me. A lot of people fall into the 'New Year's resolution trap'. So after looking back over my practise month, I've come up with a guide which I'm going to use to deal with my resolutions. Hopefully this will help me have a better handle on things. So here it goes...

The MsChiVious guide to Resolutions

Step 1 - DON'T HAVE RESOLUTIONS

Set a goal instead. I know what you are thinking, they are the same thing right? By definition a resolution is,

"a firm decision to do or not to do something"

And a goal is

"the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result"

(definitions taken from Google. Don't judge me! The Oxford dictionary was not within my reach)

The way I see it, having a resolution seems so fixed and rigid. First because of it's fixed point ties to the New Year and secondly, when you have a resolution it's either do it or you don't. There's no room for flexibility. If you break it, it's almost feels like you've failed. Having a goal is all about going on a journey to get what you want. The thing about journeys is that they are not always straight forward. There will definitely be bumps on the way. The good thing about journeys is that there are many routes to get to your destination so if one way doesn't work you can try another.

Step 2 - KNOW THE REASON WHY

If there is no good reason behind the need to change, I won't do it. The more important the 'why' the more of an effort I'll make to sticking to my goal. For example, going to the gym to be fitter is not as good a reason as going to the gym to get beach-bod ready for my holiday to St Tropez.

Step 3 - MAKE IT REALISTIC

Sticking with the gym thing, trying to go 4 times a week off the bat didn't work. Too much too soon. Start small and build up allows you to get into a rhythm you can work with and it's easier to build on.

Step 4 - PLAN AND SET TARGETS

Create a plan of action to reach your goal. Research methods that will work for you and call in the experts if you need to. Give yourself milestones to work towards and evaluate your process at each point to make sure the route you are taking works for you. If it doesn't, make changes

Step 5 - REWARD YOURSELF

No harm in treating yourself for every milestone you reach but the ultimate reward comes from reaching your goal. Personally I treat myself to a new pair of heels when I reach my goals. A nice added incentive.

Step 6 - LET THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

There's no need to announce everything you are planning to do but it's up to you how much you tell people. Sometimes it's better to go through your journey without too many prying eyes and the added pressure of being a 'goldfish in a glass bowl'. Personally I feel less guilty about any slip ups along the way because only I know about them. Just let the results speak for themselves. 

So there it is. Pretty basic stuff so shouldn't be too hard to follow. I'll drop an update a little further down the line to show you how I get on.

How do you guys stay on top of your resolutions or goals?

Until next time...

Stay MsChiVious xoxoxo