New Year’s Resolutions: Tips For Muscles & Money

FOX – WOFL

For more info on the 21 day kickstart plan, contact Jean at 352-307-8652 and Debbie at 352-509-3133 or d.kemp@brickcityfitness.com

As 2012 came to an end, many are thinking about the things they want to change in 2013. Some popular New Year’s resolutions include losing weight and eating right. But let’s think about some New Year’s resolutions that are “out of the box.”

Tip #1: Take on a 21 Day “Kickstart Challenge”

When making a New Year’s resolution – a whole year resolution might seem out of the picture – but instead set your mind on just “21 days.”

Fiscal Challenge |Take Inventory of Your Finances.
Vow for 21 days to take inventory of your finances. Write down all your account/joint account information: investments, bank accounts and savings accounts. If you’re married, use this time to make sure you and your spouse are on the same page about your finances and your financial future.

Physical Challenge | Make Yourself a Priority.
For 21 days, eat healthy food, drink water, give your body the right fuel it needs. Who knows – if you do it for 21 days, it might just stick for the whole year.

Tip #2: Break a Bad Habit

Pick at least one bad habit and kick it!

Fiscal Challenge | The Wait Rule.
When you want to buy something for yourself (other than groceries or necessities), give yourself a 48-hour mandatory wait period to prevent impulse buys that you’ll later regret. To avoid credit card debt, only buy the item if you have the money in the bank.

Physical Challenge | Vow To Reduce Sugar Intake.
During the holidays, we bombard our bodies with excessive amounts of sugar. High sugar consumption suppresses immune function, which causes fatigue, weight gain, increases inflammation, causes sleep disturbances, artery constriction and more.

 

Tip #3: Acquire a Good Habit

Fiscal Challenge | Save, Save, Save 
Money is tight! I get it. You’re not alone. A lot of people these days are under financial stress. But I think that most people can still cut costs and save, no matter their financial situation. Here’s a couple of ways to save.

  • Ignore Your Friends and Neighbors.
    Don’t ignore the people, but do ignore their stuff. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing what you have to someone else, or get caught up in wanting the latest gadget or car like your friends.
  • Don’t Spend on Ideals.
    Don’t buy a new bicycle when you rarely have time to go for a bike ride, a fancy new outfit when you have no place to wear it or an instrument for your child if you’re not sure he’ll stick with it.

Physical Challenge | Get Moving. 
The hardest part about any exercise program is getting started. It’s simple – just get moving. Take daily walks, play music while you’re doing the housework or better yet, go to a gym and join a class that you enjoy and feel invigorated afterwards.

 

Tip #4: Take 10 minutes/day to Think about Goals

Fiscal Challenge | Make a Financial Plan.
Take 10 minutes a day to consider your future. Only one-third of Americans have prepared a financial plan for their retirement. Those who have a plan tend to be more successful financially!

Physical Challenge | Prepare to Not Fail.
10 minutes of preparation could save you hours of frustration later. For example, plan meals the night before so that when you get home from work the next day, you’re not grabbing the tv dinners out of the freezer or stopping at a fast-food restaurant. The more you prepare, the better organized your life will be, and the more time you will have for you.

For more info on the 21 day kickstart plan, contact Jean at 352-307-8652 and Debbie at 352-509-3133 or d.kemp@brickcityfitness.com