That’s it. I’ve had it.

I’m still that girl who gets excited about the prospect of becoming in shape, having a strong physique, and experiencing the joy of riding a bike. But I’m utterly done with the way our society views health as a priority. Consequently, I’ve come to alter the rules of the game.

At the close of each and every year, discussion about goals (or resistance to them) is flying around like crazy. We are constantly being inundated with advertisements for items that promise to COMPLETELY TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE! Assist you in ELIMINATING 30 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS! or TURN YOU INTO A WINNER IN A SINGLE NIGHT!

Such hooey. And yet . . .

When we watch advertisements like this, the majority of us get a fleeting pang of desire in our chests. Oh, to have the ripped arms of Michelle Obama, a flat stomach, or even simply to be able to utilise the stairs without wheezing like a baby, dammit.

There’s another way, and it’s you.

In contrast to the jerks who want to grab your money, make you feel like you’re beneath them, and keep you coming back for more, I won’t make any empty promises or engage in shady business dealings.

I’ve got no magic wand to make your problems vanish.

No secret potions to melt fat.

Nothing to sell you.

However, I am happy to assist in putting the responsibility for your fitness in your own hands. This is a potent weapon since it has the potential to free you from the grasp of the creeps for good. You’ll be back in command, standing tall in your incredible physique, and ready to take charge again.

The key is to focus on new numbers.

  • Look forward to a 10-minute (or 5-minute!) workout instead of obsessing about your weight.
  • Crank out a 3-minute interval sets instead of fretting over your pants size.
  • Count the extra time you feel energized, not fat grams or calories.

I’ll be posting more details in the next few days so you can put together your (drumroll . . . )

New Numbers Plan of Action!

Until then, forget about the “shoulds” and start imagining how wonderful it will feel to be working with your body, your schedule and your real life.

For intelligent talk about resolutions, check out Dan and Chip Heath’s blog post, and Martha Beck’s article on smarter goal-setting.