Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- It’s that time of the year when we all make plans to change ourselves for the better, but why are new year’s resolutions always so hard to keep?
Several people we spoke with Monday say getting in shape is their goal for the new year.
“My new year’s resolution is to spend more time exercising and less time watching TV,” Central New Yorker John Purcell said.
Lisa Ridge has the same goal, “I’m just going to get in shape. It’s my new year’s resolution.”
Newly dedicated exercisers are gearing up on new running shoes everywhere.
“People are trying to own up to resolutions. Fitness and exercise seems to be a key thing each year. A lot of people overate during the holidays and they’re back getting gym memberships and they're looking to get back to working out,” Fleet Feet’s Greg Szklnay said.
Shoe stores support your goal of working out all year, not just for the holidays.
If you're goal is to stay in shape, Szklnay said you may get burnt out. He says set the bar low instead of going for gold right away.
Mental health therapists agree that the trick is to set a goal you can keep.
“I think if it's not somehow life changing or bringing us some sense of accomplishment, or this is going to improve my life in some way, than it really is not something that most of us will stick with,” said Mental Health Therapist Scott Kavanagh.
Kavanagh says you need to have real motivation, a plan, and the support of others.
“Sort of like The Little Engine that Could, the children’s story. Where I recognize what I can do, what I want, that I have structure and that I can do this,” Kavanagh said.
To stay on track, Kavanagh recommends following these three steps:
- Make a specific goal
- Create a plan of action
- and tell people about your goals
This will give you a support group that will help hold you accountable if you start wavering.
On the web --
Tips on goal setting and achieving from Fleet Feet of East Syracuse
