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From DestinationSpaVacations Fitness Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas) As 2008 begins, many view the New Year as an ideal opportunity to make a change-so we resolve to lose weight, start exercising, or stop smoking. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions, most abandon their resolutions within a few weeks. When explaining their failure, some blamed outside forces, "There were tasty temptations all around me;" others cited a lack of knowledge, "I couldn't figure out those machines at the gym;" and many simply chose the generic character flaw, "I didn't have the willpower." Although these explanations might seem reasonable, they may not tell the full story. Maybe you've heard the joke: Jokes aside, research shows that resolution success typically occurs when an individual really wants to change and is also ready to make a change. What if you resolved to start exercising regularly? How would you know if you were really ready to change? The following checklist might help: Directions: If you checked the first statement, you are in the Pre-contemplation Stage and not really ready to make a change. To move forward with your resolution, you would need persuasive information that change is beneficial and concrete evidence that change is even necessary. If you checked the second statement, you are in the Contemplation Stage and almost ready. To take the first step, you would need to know what would be involved in making the change and the will to incorporate these necessary changes. If you checked the last statement, you are in the Preparation Stage and only lacking a specific plan. Once you received guidance, you'd be on your way to initiating action! Modify the above checklist to gauge readiness for other behaviors by replacing the word "exercise." If you really want to change and if you are in the appropriate "stage," this just might be the year that you keep that resolution! Sharon Rekieta, Ph.D. http://www.lakeaustin.com/ © Copyright 2009 |
