New Year’s Resolutions & Diet Success Motivation

I can’t tell you how many times my New Year’s resolution has been to lose weight, exercise more, blah, blah, blah. Those usually last about a week for me.

There have also been big events where I wanted to lose the weight, but just always managed to find any excuse not to.

And then there have been times I’ve been reasonably successful. Like before my sister’s wedding. Before I went to the Bahamas. Ran into an old boyfriend. And once or twice for really no reason at all. Like now.

This holiday season, I went to Christmas parties and family gatherings 33 pounds thinner than last year. I started in July. And I’m signed up for a triathlon in April. And I’m turning 50 in May. My husband will tell you, like he told everyone at the family gatherings that I’m motivated this time because I’m turning 50 in May. And he’s partially right. But usually before a big birthday, I would start my weight loss efforts a month before, not almost a full year before.

I honestly can’t tell you what the trigger is this time. Why I’m able to stick to Weight Watchers now when I’ve never been very successful with it before. Why I joined a gym and am actually going there and not just throwing my money at it. Why I was able to indulge in Christmas feastings for a week and then magically get back to my old routine. That’s never happened before. Usually after the event that sparked the healthy lifestyle changes, I immediately retreat right back to bad habits. Could it be that this time this is gonna stick?

I’ve got 30 or so pounds to go and a race in April to get ready for. My motivation is solid this time and if I can figure out what flipped the switch I’ll share it.

Because let’s face it, without that real motivation, no diet (not Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Atkins or diet pills) is gonna work for long. I know. I’ve tried them all.

What I do know is that I’m going to ride this wave of motivation for all its worth. And I refuse to use my 50th birthday as the reason. If I do that, the switch might go back off after the big day in May and that won’t be any good.

Do you know why you’ve been able to change to a healthier lifestyle? Let’s share and motivate others who are getting ready to put their New Year’s resolutions into action. My hubby is one of those! I’m rooting for his success too!

Happy New Year! may 2009 be a healthy one.