How to succeed at your goals for the new year

 You have to start. Now.

How many times have you told a friend "we should get together sometime" but you never get around to it? How often do you see an article about something new to try and think "I should try that" but you never do it? Does the someday ever arrive? No, it doesn't arrive, because you don't MAKE it arrive.

Have you found that, if you ever get around to doing what you planned, that it's not available anymore? It could be sold out, person could have moved out of state, the activity could be booked, or... perhaps it could be discontinued or canceled due to too many people who think they'll "do it one day" but don't, and if everybody thinks about it but nobody does it, it can't exist.

These are hypothetical scenarios, examples to jog your memory if this is you. But truly, something very real is at stake here. The Metro Detroit community could be abundantly full of ongoing hoop fitness classes... of all levels and types... classes for dance, classes for fitness. It could be like Pilates, yoga or Zumba -- most studios and facilities have classes you can just jump into.

However, it can be a challenge getting classes full or even started, which is ironic because hooping is the perfect exercise... doesn't seem like exercise but it is and how many people try to avoid exercise? Hooping is also accessible to everyone, regardless of childhood experience. Certified instructors have the language to provide you with tips on getting the most out of your learning, and performers can inspire you with their beautiful dance. So it's baffling why potential students would stand by, and think about it, or attend class and enjoy it but disappear. Without the support of the community, organized hoop classes could disappear.

You want to attend a class? Do it. Sign up today. Stop waiting and start hooping. Be part of a growing movement and bring your friends. We love everyone! 

The next piece of this is yourself. By taking no action... whether it be waiting for a better day, or unsure how you'd do in an exercise program, etc... you guarantee the failure. You're a success when you get started. That's the hard part. After a point, you keep it going because you recognize how great you feel. Maybe you see that the weight training tones your muscles so your body comp improves and changes how everything fits, for the better. Or new confidence is developed because you're learning a hooping skill or lifting a certain amount of weight better than the week before, or enduring a longer time in cardio exercise. 

Do you have moxie?

How to get what you want

Everything in life involves an amount of risk.

If we want something, it doesn't usually fall into our hands. Sometimes we have to take a step beyond what we think is possible in order to attain it. That puts us into vulnerable and uncomfortable situations. It might be, that someone might see us exercise and sweat and if we're usually in a position of power, it might alarm us to appear weak or on the same level as everyone else. Or maybe we expect perfection of ourselves all of the time and so learning a new skill is unfamiliar and are able to convince ourselves that we can't do it. Or sometimes, we just feel in over our head.

It's all about perception and perspective.

I went to a hooping retreat to expand my hooping horizons, open up and explore hooping from a personal view rather than a professional one. I enjoy the outdoors, love to hike and go on trails, etc. I camp but I've always camped where there are brick and wood shower facilities with electricity and full plumbing. Before the retreat I tried to find out more details about the camping and what my environment was going to be like, and didn't get very detailed answers. I resolved to just go with the flow, because that seemed to be in the spirit of the event.

When I arrived, I saw that it was indeed rustic, the showers were co-ed and in a tent structure with very creative hose design. I was dependent upon the event organizers for food and water since it was provided. I was at the mercy of the weather. I was the "new kid" who had never been to a hooping retreat. I saw hoopers who seem natural born dancers and so engaged with their body to the point of letting a lot of it show. I don't hide in sweats, I allow my fitness to show, but some take it to the next level. First impression: OMG.

And so, I was vulnerable. As the weekend continued though, I allowed my experiences to open me, to guide me in a new growth. That is how you get what you want. You need to reach for it. Take it, don't wait for it to come to you. It is not easy or comfortable. I'm here to help you through that.

As a trainer and hoop instructor, I often hear various explanations for the lack of action toward what people want:

"Oh I can't hoop. I could never as a kid."  (Did you try first before making that judgement? Today?)

"I don't know why I ate this! I feel so bad for eating this." (There is no good or no bad, just your next action in the direction that achieves what you want. And if you haven't finished eating the "bad" thing, you can stop -- it's ok.)

"I don't have time to exercise." (Do you watch any TV? You have time to exercise.)

"I can't afford a membership/classes/training." (Do you eat out multiple times during the week or get a daily coffee? It all adds up. Skipping it and preparing meals from home not only saves you money to put toward fitness, it also cuts back on restaurant calories. And park walks are free...)

Quite often, we're the ones in the way of getting what we want. There are many reasons why your plan may be on pause, this is by no means a complete list -- rather by popular example. It's a start to the dialogue though, and when I meet clients for the first time we talk through what is holding them back. No judgement, just encouragement. Release, let go of the "I can'ts" and "I don'ts" and allow yourself to "see where this goes".

You'll probably find yourself on the path to getting what you want.