Happy New Years... I apologize that it's a bit late, but Apart from ending the previous year with a bang, The first couple days are for reflection and development. Analyzing what went good, what could have gone better, and what is to be done the new year. I would like to suggest to all who read this, that they do the same thing, take a day or two to reflect, learn, and develop.

To start the new years off, many of us make goals, resolutions, and have a desire to change habits.  The reality is a what later becomes a meme on your most popular comedy site, the things we wanted to do, but just couldn't finish or follow through. It happens to all of us. It's even happened to me. The biggest thing we can do live and learn, dwelling on our failures is a perfect way to destroy yourself. The past is to be recognized for just the right amount of time to permit that we learn something, then return to the present planning the future. The road to progression is a one way road forward, and to stop or go in reverse is a dangerous act just asking to cause accidents with others moving forward or already stopped in their own past.

When making goals, it is important to keep in mind the big picture. What is the end desire? the Dream? And from there goals should be made to take you step by step to the dream. If you're max squat at the end of 2013 was 200lbs, and your new goal for 2014 is 300lbs, your can't go to the gym the next day and throw on the extra 100lbs and expect to succeed. Steps must be taken, 2 reps at 200lbs, then 210lbs, step by step til you reach 300lbs. Stepping goals are important to ensure you stay motivated in the process of making changes in your life. Success is addictive, the more you experience it the more you will crave it and pursue it. Don't underestimate the power of the smaller realistic challenges you can accomplish week by week.

The ability to see your journey to the end is a force within you. Something that commits you to go to the gym, or the track or wherever, day after day. No excuses... rain, snow, sleet or shine you will not fail. The majority of people who make New Years resolutions will quit their journey within 2 weeks. What can you do to ensure you don't fall into the majority of people and can enjoy the dream you are after? 1) A goal not written down is just a dream. 2) You must be accountable to put in the effort day after day. 3) You will need help! 4) You need to convince yourself that you can achieve your dream on a daily basis.
It's more than just putting a post-it on your bathroom mirror and more than getting a gym buddy. It's a mental decision to change your habits and routines that are seeded deep in your soul. Making changes is hard and the mental fortitude needed to bring about success is great.

To finish this off, I want to share some goals that I am going to pursue in the year 2014.
1) Create a fitness consulting company (reserve and trademark the name)
2) Compete as an elite athlete in Soccer, Taekwon-Do, or Track and Field
3) Have a total 800lb combined maxes of Bench, Squat and Deadlift.
4) Make progress toward getting published.

Starting Monday, January 6th, I will be putting up daily workouts. Starting a slow introduction to a new approach to developing physical fitness and athletic prowess.

2014 is about making changes... no limits, no excuses

Every Day... A Little Stronger