I Will Lose Weight…I Will Exercise On a Daily Basis…I Will…I Will!

My “New Year’s Resolutions”. Does this sound familiar? How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution that really sounded great, only to become a far distant memory in a very short period of time!

Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. A similar study showed that 78% of those who make New Year’s resolutions, ultimately fail.

The popular tradition of making New Year’s resolutions originated in the ancient empires of Babylon and Rome. The Babylonians would begin their New Year (which began in the spring with planting) by returning any farm equipment, to its rightful owner, they had been borrowed throughout the year. During the reign of Caesar, the Romans worshipped the god of two faces whose name was Janus. Janus became the symbol for New Year’s resolutions due to his two distinct faces…one of which gave him the ability to look into the past while the other face was capable of looking into the future.

Some of the most popular resolutions are:

Exercise more
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Stop Drinking
Eat healthier

These are all good goals, so why do they fail? I would suggest that one of the reasons we have a problem being successful is that we try to make these changes through our own effort and merit. The Apostle Paul shared his secret to success in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And if you read the story of Paul, you can see many instances of God’s intervention in his life.

If in this past year, you didn’t make it a practice to rely on the Lord as much as you should have…well, there is no time like the present to make that a New Year’s resolution. In fact, why don’t you say a short prayer right now–use these words if you like: ”Dear God, I want 2012 to be different for me.” Spell out in prayer some of the changes you’d like to see, then close in this way: ”Lord, I know that I’m going to need a lot of help for this…so right now, I place myself in your hands. Help me to receive Your strength. Amen.”

May 2012 be the happiest and successful year you have ever had!

Yours in Success & Spiritual Empowerment…

Thanks to Judy Terry for another great guest post…The Empowered Entrepreneurial Magnets

Categories: Leadership & Success

Tags: apostle, Babylon, Christ, drinking, empowered, empowerment, exercise, God, Janus, Judy Terry, new year, Paul, Resolutions, Rome, smoking, Spiritual, success

About Martin Casper

Being an entrepreneur has given me a deep appreciation for individuals who are success oriented and never give up. The drive to always “push through” is a trait of successful people. I have been fortunate to associate myself with many successful individuals over my life. It began with my father who instilled in me the ability to step outside of the box…to create something out of nothing. He taught me the importance of integrity in business...traits that I have incorporated into the various business models I employ. I spent the first ten years of my career in the medical field. I worked side by side with amazing individuals who put their own self-interests aside in order to nurture others back to good health. Many times I witnessed life and death situations. It was always humbling to experience the team-work that evolved around trying to save a lives. As my career path evolved into the business world, not only could I bring those experiences into my persona, I saw a need to spread information…real information for real situations. A close friend of mine began to mentor me in aspects of blogging. He has given me incredible insight into how a blog should be developed…how to focus my passion for helping mentor people to becoming successful entrepreneurs. This passion for mentoring others began when I was a young child and continues today. It is not about me, but rather those who have influenced my life. I am a work-out addict and a real “ski dog”. Sorry guys and gals…I do not “ride”. I live for deep powder and steep chutes. I love the feeling of looking over the edge of a steep run…feel my heart beat faster with that adrenaline rush and then “jump in”. I love golf…but I always wonder if I will ever break 100…lol! Most of all, I love my wonderful family…they are the best! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you feel empowered today.