Getting on track or staying on track?

We're still in the beginning of a new year, so I hope no one has written off their "fitness resolutions" just yet. I've been living a healthy lifestyle for 8 years and there are certainly days when going for my morning run takes more effort than others.

Ironically, the toughest time to be healthy is when you're sick! When I get a cold and it lasts a week, it's much harder to get back on track after just 1 week of not exercising. Since many people who've started the New Year with an exercise program may not have been active in a while.

This is a crucial point! 3 weeks is a while to keep a new routine going. It's tough to get going and stay motivated, but I promise once you make it past 3 weeks it gets easier to stay on track.

Whether you've been exercising for years or weeks, which is more difficult for you; getting on track or staying there? When you feel yourself veering too far off your "fitness course", what do you do (or say to yourself) to get back on track?

You Talk All Day Anyway!

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Okay, after you go to the bathroom. You start talking! You could live with your spouse and 5 children or by yourself, but chances are you’re talking to someone. We are so busy talking on the phone, screaming at the drive through and disciplining children all day. Then why do so many people have such a fear of talking in front of a group?

Public speaking is the number 2 fear after death, although I bet that some people might prefer dying. The next time you have to get up in front of a group of people to speak, think of it like you’re just having a conversation. Most people monopolize a conversation anyway, this shouldn't be so different.

Keep these 3 things in mind before you have to get in front of an audience:

1.The audience wants to hear what you have to say. They want you to succeed.
2. Be yourself and your audience will connect with you more easily. They’ll respect you for it.
3. The people sitting in front of you are just people! They put on their pants one leg at a time and wipe their but the same as you do. Look at your audience as individuals rather than a large group.

Practice your skill of public speaking and you will gain confidence and self-esteem in other areas of life. This boost in your personal satisfaction will lead to more happiness in your day.

The Honeymoon Can't Be Over

Keeping the honeymoon alive will take some effort on both of your parts. You have some tools to make it easier, so you will start to see a change. Practice adding something romantic and thoughtful into your relationship. It’s too easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget, but there’re so many ways (big and small) to show your love. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time, but you must actually do it. Here’s a short list of some simple things to get you started:

• Give flowers for no reason at all. Grab a bouquet from a flower shop or the supermarket. Do you know how easy it is to go online and order flowers? Call them “because I love you flowers."
• Technology is an everyday part of life so just go with it. Send an email or text message with a simple “just thinking of you and I love you” or “I hope you’re having a great day” or “can’t wait to see you between the sheets tonight.”
• Take 3 minutes of your day and go to a free e-card website. Pick one and send it. Some sites let you select a dozen and automatically have them sent out every week. Now you’re covered for at least the next 3 months and it didn’t cost you a penny!
• Think back to elementary school when you made a card or gift for your girlfriend (maybe you started dating early). Get some paper, glue, crayons or whatever and just create something that says you love her.
• This is one’s important! Pay attention to what your other half wants. The next time that you’re in a store together and someone notices a shirt or trinket they like, make a mental note to come back and buy it. Write it down if you have to; just be aware of likes and dislikes and you’ll be the best gift giver on the planet.

Start practicing your skill of romance and it will become habit. Naturally as you think of more ways to express your love, you’ll get better at it. As your relationship develops, so will you level of romance and respect. Keep in mind, money doesn’t guarantee romance. I know the stereotype of many women is they need huge diamonds and designer bags (and if you can afford it then they should get it), but that’s not what romance is about. You shouldn’t be forced to spend a lot of money on “stuff.”

Skill of Listening

Through evolution women are more developed than men at listening. There are many social theories and ideas as to why, but the fact has remained consistent through history. Because of this, men need to work a little harder on this skill. Here are valuable instructions to help everyone practice their skill of listening:

· Focus on the other person and give your full attention. Guys, this means not having the game on as she talks while you nod and say uh-huh.
· We all have a tendency to starting thinking about our response before the other person is finished, so save the comments in your head until it’s your turn.
· Listen with an open mind. This means being aware of any preconceived notions or prejudices about the topic. Whether your belief is valid or not, this will obscure the message.
· Remember 75% of communication is about body language. If only you work on one aspect of body language, think eye contact. This ensures the person talking knows your listening. (Just be aware this is good advice in the US and not every country or culture).
· Be polite! Since common courtesy isn’t so common anymore, it had to be said. Be patient and don’t talk over another person. Avoid ugly behavior like an uncaring sigh or rolling your eyes.
· If you don’t have enough time to listen, nicely ask the other person if you can talk later. Let the other person know why you can’t talk so you don’t hurt any feelings.

You will see huge benefits to your marriage when communication improves. We’re not looking for a miracle, just practice your skill of happiness and it will become habit. Apply your skill of listening at work, with friends, with your children and you’ll have greater opportunities in life.

Motivation

Some days the motivation flows through you like rain from a cloud. Then there are other days when you search and search and there just doesn't seem to be much motivation there. What do you do when the energy and enthusiasm just aren’t there? You could sit on the couch and eat potato chips. Taking a nap is always nice. Unfortunately these ideas won’t help you achieve your goals.

Once the work is done or even for a short break, getting away from work is important. We need to have variety in our day or the enjoyment of what we do will just vanish. On those days where you are trying to kick your own ass into gear, what is the best way to get going? Here are some quick tips to start your engine.

• Get up! Start by simply moving around. Swing your arms, do jumping jacks, and stretch. This movement will give you a bust of energy and start the momentum that you are looking for.
  
• Encourage yourself out loud. Yes, I am telling you to talk to yourself out loud. Go into the bathroom or call yourself on the phone. Be firm and remind yourself why you need to get the tasks on your to-do list accomplished.
  
• Set a time frame and stick too it. Start working in exactly fifteen minutes. Now for exactly one hour. Take another fifteen minute break. When you look at time in these small increments, time will go faster. In the end you will get work finished and then you can relax for the rest of the day, just be sure to stick to your schedule and do not deviate.
  
• Find your spouse, friend, or dog and talk to them about encouraging you. The other person (or pet) might have enough enthusiasm for both of you that day. Now you can both get back to work.
  

What are some ways that work for you when the motivation is lacking? When you leave too much work undone, it just piles up. With these unfinished chores comes more stress. Find ways to give yourself that kick in the ass that you need and you will be glad that you go everything done.