New Year. New Ideas

Now that the holiday hangover has been shaken off and the media is bombarding its viewers with the much needed call to action to lose the weight gained over the last six weeks of sloth and beautiful, tasty, decadent gluttony, people are flocking in mass to the solutions of their agony: be it a diet center or to the neighborhood gym (that luckily dropped their joiners fee if you sign up for automatic billing!). Before you get set up and invest in all the latest gear and gadgets, here is one question for you: How long do you plan on doing this for?

A simple question; I have science on my side for asking it. When psychologists studied indicators to predict success, they looked at a wide variety of information. Of all the environmental, genetic, social, economic, mental, emotional, and psychological factors researched, the one that had the highest correlation with success was what I just asked you: the question about duration was more significant than money, genetics, or where you live. The power of your mind will determine how far you can go in life. So once again: How long do you plan on doing this for? Weeks? Months? Years? The rest of your life? According to their research, the longer you foresee yourself doing whatever, the more likely you are to be successful. 

All of this gives you a sense of scale for your activity. A long time ago, I decided on lifting heavy ass weight until people have to lift my heavy ass coffin. I understand that life gets in the way like it did a few weeks back with travel to see family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So when it comes to missing a lift or two, or having to improvise with what is available, that's OK. Yes, the first couple lifts back in your normal routine feel off, but it comes back fast.  

So arm yourself with the most powerful weapon you have. You mind. Get it right and take a good hard look at yourself and ask the important question. How long are you planning on doing this for?