Getting in Shape Physically & Financially in 2011

The list of most popular New Year's Resolutions for 2011 is in! Can you guess what the

top two resolutions are? They are the same top two resolutions every year. Those

resolutions are “To lose weight or get in shape” and “To get out of debt (or in a better

financial position).” Interestingly enough, the habits you need to get in shape physically

are the same habits you will need to get in shape financially.

1. Commitment

The first thing you must do is make a commitment, not a resolution. What's the

difference? Another word for resolution is intention, but intentions and results are

usually not the same. One definition of commitment is “an engagement or obligation that

restricts freedom of action.” Yoda said it best, “Do or do not, there is no try.” When you

decide what you really want and that you want it bad enough, you make a commitment

to see it through no matter how you feel.

2. Discipline

To be successful in anything in life it takes discipline. The reason resolutions don't work

is because the discipline to follow through with the intention is not there. It takes

discipline to say go to the gym early in the morning or after a long exhausting day. It

takes discipline to pass up a great sale and save the money instead. Discipline is what

will move you from resolution to commitment.

3. Consistency

Legendary coach Vince Lombardi in his talk “What it takes to be #1” says, “Winning is

not a sometimes thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you

don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a

habit.” To get in shape, physically or financially, you have to be consistent. If you

only do things right once in a while you will get nowhere.

4. Vision

The picture of where you are going to be in the future, if you stick to you commitment,

have discipline, and stay consistent in your actions, is the thing that will give you the

energy to keep going. Your vision of where you want to be will be a constant reminder

of WHY you are making the sacrifices you have to make right now. Keep pictures with

you that remind you of your vision, and look at them several times a day. It is difficult to

quit when you can see your goal.

5. Belief

Your vision creates energy, but it won't last unless you actually believe in it. It is pretty

difficult to discipline yourself and stay consistent with new habits if you don't believe you

will ever see the results you are doing it for. When you truly belief you will have “this” if

you sacrifice “that,” then you will make the sacrifice needed and it will not be difficult to

stick with it.