“Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic. Begin it now.”
-Goethe

Having trouble getting started on your new exercise program or your new diet? Let me suggest two elements that are crucial to such programs being successful.

SET GOALS
The energy derived from setting goals comes in large part from the focus it brings to our lives. It’s like igniting a fire by channeling the gentle rays of the sun to a single spot through a magnifying glass.
-Author unknown

GET PARTNERS
“Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recently at my school a dozen or so educators decided that it is time to lose some weight. After considerable discussion, it was decided that we would band together and form a diet club. Here’s how it works. Every Wednesday morning, participants weigh in with Bonnie (phys ed teacher and resident health expert). If we gain weight, we put a buck in the pot. Maintenance or weight loss from the previous week’s total exempts us from paying.

Each person in our group has set both short and long term goals that he/she is trying to meet throughout the rest of the school year. Besides weight loss goals, many have set weekly/monthly exercise goals as well.

As an extra incentive, each participant has been paired with a partner. If you fail to maintain or lose weight any particular week, your partner has to pay that week as well. Ooh, peer pressure!

We’ve had lots of fun so far and have experienced success. In just three weeks we have collectively lost over 40 pounds and have just a few dollars in the kitty. People are waking at 5 am to hit the Nordic Track, joggers and walkers abound, and several are attending the after-school Tae Bo group. Some are lifting weights two or three times a week.

I don’t think any of this could have happened without each participant refocusing on individual goals and the help and encouragement of our buddies. Need a jumpstart? Find a friend go to work together! It’s the only way to go!!!!