Sorry, here I am pontificating that I am perfect and don’t need to better myself. Far from it. This chubby, or at least slightly overweight guy (actually, my BMI chart tells me that I am borderline obese), who, I gladly admit has numerous flaws? However, this is not a confession booth, sorry! Moreover, I am not Catholic.
I just hate all these people with good intentions that obviously will fall by the wayside. Sorry folks! I was a member of the YMCA, when I lived in Cincinnati in the 90s. I used to go to the gym at least once a week on Saturdays. When I was not traveling for work, I would go at least one additional evening during the week. After we moved to the Tidewater, I worked out briefly at the Jewish Community Center in Virginia Beach, which was next door to my office at the time. Later, in Williamsburg we went to Ironbound Gym in Newtown (Williamsburg). I never was fanatic, but I did enjoy the rowing machines and the weight machines. The past seven or so years before COVID we did yoga every Monday evening at our community center. Did I lose any weight? I don’t think so, but I do think my body looked a bit better proportioned. It just definitely made me feel good and science tells me it might allow me to live a better longer life.
Why am I telling you all this? Well, regardless of what activity I participated in, every January there was an influx of folks with good intentions. There were lines at the weight machines, at the rowing machines, and you had to come early to get a good spot in yoga so this guy, who is hard of hearing, could hear the instructor. Thank goodness after about four weeks the crowds were gone, and things returned to normal for the rest of the year; the resolutions were forgotten. People were disillusioned. I really think that if you try to change a habit once a year it will be difficult to make it stick!
Science tells us that in order to make something a habit you need to do it at least 4 to 6 weeks or so in a row. I googled “Making Habits Stick” and got recipes to do it in 3, 5 or 18 steps. For example, Nike gave me the following three steps: habit stacking (or connect it to an already existing habit you have); make incremental changes (start slow); and turn inwards (figure out why you want to do it, or what is your motivation). Nike also tells me not to be disappointed if you miss a day, or two, or three. Get back on that proverbial horse. I looked at others from CNN, Forbes, and a guy from lifehacks. I agree with some of their prescriptions and hate others. They just get too complicated or just plain dumb. Lifehack is stupid in my eyes 18 point, now keep track of that, it would need to become a brand-new habit.
I particularly like Nike’s step two. I think all these New Year’s resolutions make you take the “big leap” and I think that is what sets a lot of people up for failure. Let’s go all in on the New Year! Nope. That is not the right way to approach it and that is one reason why I hate them; even the dry (no alcohol) January (or whatever they call it). I admit it, I love a good microbrew or a glass of good wine.
OK friends, while I am not discouraging resolutions, now you know why I don’t make any. Yes, I have already made an appointment with and gone to my dermatologist for my first annual skin test after COVID. I missed two years, and I am glad to report that all is well. As you see, I keep working on myself and hope you all do as well.
Happy 2023.
 |
| One thing I'll keep doing in the new year is walking and enjoying nature. |
No comments:
Post a Comment