Beech Tree News Network

This is 2020! I’ve always wanted to say that.  Tell me you didn’t say that in Barbara Walters’ voice.  You can’t tell me because I know you did.  You hear the phrase “new year, new you” tossed around all the time around December, January and February.  But how can you keep those New Year’s Resolutions? It takes drive, determination and will.  You’ve got to want it.

“Chill, man.  They’re just resolutions.  So what if I drop them in a month”? That’s what you’re thinking, right? I’ve been there.  Don’t think of them as New Year’s Resolutions  Think of it as self-improvement.  Here’s a tip: write it down.  If it’s in front of you on a daily basis, the more likely you are to do said task. 

Several years after high school, yet a few years before college(I think) I started running on the treadmil.  It took quite awhile to make it a habit; lots of repetition.  When I started years ago, I began at 30 minutes.  I slowly worked my way up to an hour.  After my injury last year and 6-week recovery, I had to start all over again.

Maybe exercise isn’t your New Years Resolution.  That’s cool.  Whatever it is, write it down in physical form.  That way, it’s something you see every day.  Set an alarm on your smart watch, Apple Watch, iPhone.  Set it for the same time every day and have it repeat daily.  That way, you’ll have that reminder if you need it.  And when you’re just getting started with something, you will need a reminder.  You will need motivation.

For a music-obsessed guy like me, a good pair of headphones is a must on my run.  I’ve got Skull Candy and really like them. I have a pair of Beats but I don’t like to sweat in those.  Don’t aske me why. My Beats are my leisurely headphones.  I’m serious about my workouts. 

Whatever your resolutions, and I do encourage you to make some, make sure to write them down.  That way you have a better chance of sticking with them.  I know I’ve said that several times but it bears repeating.  If it’s in front of you, the more likely you are to do it.  It’s the same reason I keep my guitar on its stand every day.  That’s another New Year’s Resolution for some: learning a new instrument.  Or in my case, getting better on the one you already play. 

Whether your New Year’s Resolution is exercise related, music related or whatever it is, stick with it.  It’s hard.  Anything worthwhile is tough.  I believe in you.  As Rob Schneider’s character said to Bobby Bouchee in the Waterboy, you can do it!