So here we are heading into 2008…

By now most people are making those dreaded NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS that inevitably come with January 1st - and go soon after that. Does anyone keep those things? Let’s get real here and talk about this.

No, people almost NEVER keep these resolutions. Well, this year I have a better idea. Think about setting some goals instead of resolutions. REALISTIC, ATTAINABLE and ACHIEVABLE goals that can really create change in your life. I have been doing it for decades and although I probably have more goals than a lot of people, I make sure that I can see them. I begin to reach them early on. The saying goes NAME IT AND CLAIM IT. How come I never thought of that? I use this technique all the time. For me, if I say it enough, I eventually start to really believe it. Come on - try it!

Since I am no different than you, why not join me and make next year HEALTHY, FIT AND FABULOUS? Here are some of my strategies that you can use.

1. You have to be very realistic in goal setting or you will fail every time. If you cannot see it and get to it, stop wasting your own time. Every year I take a sheet of paper and divide it in half, one half are short term goals (up to 6 months) and the other half are long term goals (for the year and beyond.) I list all of my goals and put them in one of these categories. Now, if you only have 2 goals that’s an OK start. Just think about reaching them in a timely manner. Don’t risk failure because you set the bar too high.

2. Even as a veteran of goal-setting I take every opportunity to write down my goals no matter how small they may be. There is a power in writing them down. I put them in order and then think about what it would take to achieve them. For instance, a goal I have every year is to get my health in great condition. That means making sure I get a Pap smear, mammogram and blood work done. In 2008 a goal of mine is to make sure I take the proper supplements for women over 50. Both of these goals will help me to stay fit & fabulous.

3. Set small goals and stick to them. If your goal is to lose weight and get fit, then make it a priority. Start slowly and that is what will keep you going. When I weighed 315 pounds I wanted to rush everything, but people who knew more than I did were telling me that I’d reach my goal in time. I am so glad I waited. Had I rushed it I can now see how I would have failed miserably. I endured long hours, sleepless nights, taking chances and feeling pain – but it paid off.

4. Whatever your goals are for 2008…PERSIST. Do NOT give up when you are tempted to. Make sure you set, see and reach those goals. And for goodness sake, stop BEATING YOURSELF UP for not being perfect. This self-punishment will ensure that you will fail every time. Make this a fabulous New Year and remember to always wear your heels! If you persevere and stay the course with VISION, PASSION AND COURAGE your goals can be achieved.

Another of my biggest goals this year is to get millions, yes MILLIONS, of curvy women moving. I know that there are so many unhappy and depressed women out there who are overweight and need to know that they can start moving to feel and look better. I want them to know what the women in my CurvyGirl classes know; Moving, breathing, sweating and groaning night after night can trasnsform you. But it starts with believing in yourself. I am feeling the motivation now. Can you hear me? Together we can do this!!!

I wish you all A BLESSED, PEACEFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Debra