Wow, this quote just puts you right in your place doesn’t it. Perfect for New Year’s Resolution motivation. This statement is so true. We make time for what we want to make time for. Do you really want to lose weight/tone up/workout? Was that one of your resolutions this year (like it is every year)? Well here we are 8 days into the new year… have you been working out & eating healthy? If not, take a moment to think about/write down all the reasons why you haven’t. Not to be harsh (ok, ya to be harsh) but there is your list of excuses.

You must change your behavior to get results.

I’ve really been wanting to take my exercise routine to a new level and start to progress into more difficult yoga poses. So I have gone to yoga 6 out of the 8 days in this New Year (instead of my typical 2/week), and am planning on going 6 days a week (if not every day) when at all possible. Does this mean sometimes going later at night when I’d rather not. Yes. Does this mean splitting my work day in half, and working later into the night so I can go during the day when the classes aren’t as full? Yes. Does this mean sometimes riding the bus or metro for up to 30 minutes (in traffic) just to get there? Yes. But I’m going. I already feel amazing and am sleeping so much better. I can focus better and feel like many other things in my life are done with more quality than before.

I’ve always enjoyed working out, but I tend to do it in cycles. I’ll do it for 2 months religiously, then I won’t for a month, etc. It usually cycles around whatever package I have bought. Beyond yoga, my husband and I also purchased a Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Machine for each other for the holidays so there is absolutely no reason that I can’t hop on that everyday. I am determined to break my habit of only working out a few times a week. Currently I’m channeling Kathleen when she said in her GSD that she schedules her workout as if it’s the most important meeting of her day. Such a great way to look at it. Now I schedule mine on my Google Calendar along with all of my other meetings.

One thing I have realized for me is that if I spend money on a membership or a class — I use it. I won’t waste a class if I’ve paid for it. So yes, yoga can be expensive, but because it is expensive you better believe I’m not going to let that money go to waste. Plus, I absolutely love it. I also believe in spending money on the important things in your life — health & fitness is right up there at the top (along with a couch and mattress). You can always use Groupons or most places will have a First-Timer price to test out different gyms and studios in your area before signing up for the regular prices. I always do that. You want to make sure you actually like the atmosphere and the people before spending a lot to go there.

I also have invested in quality workout clothing and equipment (yoga mat, etc.) so that I feel good in my gear and again — I have no excuses. Now I’m not advocating going out and spending a ton of money you don’t have, but investing in a few quality pieces that you aren’t constantly tugging at in class and that will last the test of time.

Don’t let this discourage you if you haven’t even started working on your resolutions. Let it motivate you. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done anything yet, you can’t change that, but you can change what you do today, and tomorrow.

Are health & fitness part of your New Year’s Resolutions? How are you planning on accomplishing them? What motivates you? 

Remember: If it’s important to you you’ll find a way, if not, you’ll find an excuse.