We are entering the third full week of January and I am just now thinking about resolutions. I’ve never been one for New Years resolutions. I would rather make weekly or monthly goals because I feel like cutting things into smaller bits makes them more manageable. Like cutting a steak, I like to cut down things that will improve me.

I can say, this year I’m going to work out and eat better, but unless I have specifics it won’t happen. For instance, starting today I’m going to work out for 30 minutes, five times this week, only eat out once a week and do my dishes before I go to sleep. These resolutions only apply for this week. If it works out, I will reinstate them for the week after. That’s the only way I’ll be successful because I know myself.

I love to bargain with myself. If I don’t work out on Monday I will tell myself that I will work out on Sunday, but I won’t. I know I won’t yet I let myself not work out. That’s why I set small, reachable goals for the day or week. I don’t have the self discipline to work on year-long goals.

I also am highly motivated by rewards. So if I don’t buy any food all week, I can get a pizza on Saturday. Or if I beat my mile time, I can buy a beer. I’m basically like a dog. If I know there will be a treat in my future, I am more likely to do a task. You could say, isn’t being healthy the reward or eating well? Yes, but that takes so long. I would rather have a pizza. It’s not rocket science, but it works.

Cheers to anyone who follows through with yearly resolutions, I salute you!

I’ll see you at the end of the week and we’ll see how well I did.