5 Tips to Achieve Your Resolution

The man, the myth and the legend- Ted Herrera

Happy New Year everyone!  First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and encouragement over the past years.  A lot has happened since the day I lost my father on September 11, 2007, most notably my current endeavor of inspiring our youth to actively chase their dreams, while leading healthy and active lifestyles.  Across America for Childhood Obesity has made huge strides in such a short amount of time, and I am proud to announce that AA4CO will soon be registered as a 501 c3 non-profit.  Thank you everyone that has made this dream a reality, and a special thank you to the incredible people I have invited to sit on our board of directors, whom I will announce once we obtain our non-profit status.

In the spirit of the New Year, I wanted to help you reach the most allusive goal of all- the New Year Resolution.  Whether it was my Grandpa trying to quit smoking for the past 10 years, or my own resolution last year of never spending another New Year's Eve in a honkie tonk bar, with a helium balloon drop, in Texas City, TX (true story). We all make them, and we all break them.  Here are 5 things you must do to do in order to turn your resolution into your reality!

My resolution on June 5, 2010- The start of my first tour

1. Write it down.  Write down your resolution on paper with the words, "I am going to.." before it.  Place this piece of paper on your bathroom mirror and repeat it to yourself multiple times as you brush your teeth in the morning, and night.  In the morning, visualize what you are going to do today to get one step closer to reaching your resolution.  And at night, reflect on all you had accomplished and what you could have done better.

2. Make a plan.  Make a plan that outlines your entire resolution, start to finish.  This plan should include your year long resolution, as well as weekly goals.  Set your weekly goals so that when you accomplish them every week, you will have accomplished your resolution at the end of the year.  Also plan an event that will showcase your new habit or talent for the end of the year.  For instance, if your resolution is to learn the guitar, schedule a open mic night for the end of the year at your local musical showcase.  Is your resolution a personal transformation, not easily showcased?  Then this is a perfect excuse to throw a party for yourself!

3. Keep track of your progress (or lack thereof).  If you accomplish your weekly goal, place a big smiley face on the calendar that week.  If you don't reach your weekly goal, place a big red 'X' on the calendar that week.  By keeping track of your progress, you will be able to tangibly see that you are making strides in the right direction.  If you notice you haven't reached your weekly goal for the past two weeks, you tend to give yourself a proverbial kick in the butt to strive that much harder for the next week's goal.  And go ahead and reward yourself every time you reach your weekly goal.  Even if your resolution is to lose weight, reward yourself with a cheat day from your diet and exercise program.  And also punish yourself when you don't reach your weekly goal, by donating to AA4CO to help us reach the next community of youth!  I hope you never have to click on this link, but you can donate here.

"Kids, why can't a bicycle stand on its own?.. Because it's two-tired!"

4. Verbalize your resolution.  Your words become your reality.  Tell all of your family, friends, co-workers and even every person you meet, about your resolution.  Not only will these wonderful people keep you on the path towards success, but you will also attract like-minded individuals whom can help you achieve your goal, by either joining you or offering their expertise.  In addition, before you begin your resolution, send everyone an invitation to your year end showcase event or party.  This way you are locked in and failure will not be an option.  This is it, don't get scared now!

5. Be consistent.  Experts say that it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a habit, and that it takes 6 months to become apart of your personality.  So keep at, one day it will all of a sudden become a way of life.  Imagine, if you will, that your resolution is like breaking through a brick wall.  You may not notice progress through day 139, and then you finally break through the wall on day 140, waking up a resolved person.  Move forward day by day, and know that whether you're moving forward slowly or quickly, YOU'RE STILL MOVING FORWARD!  Progress is progress, the finish line will never move!

Do these 5 things when working towards your resolution and you will succeed!  Don't ask yourself what the new year is going to bring you, but what YOU are going to bring to the new year!  I am very excited for what AA4CO, with your help, is going to bring to the youth of America this year!

What is your resolution?  Write it below in the comment box!  Mine?  Never spend another New Year's Eve in a honkie tonk bar in Texas City, TX!  This year, the balloons actually fell down.

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