Willpower: You do have it!

We are in week three of the new year. If you fell off the wagon with your resolutions, you’re not alone!

ABC-7 went to El Paso life coach Michelle Blumenfeld to ask why some people can stick to their goals, and others seem destined for failure. She says when it comes to the willpower, we all have the ability to reach our goals. We just need to know how to do it.

“Intentions is a much better word than habit or resolution because if you re intentional about something you do in the world – especially if you put it out in the Universe, it will come back to you,” says Blumenfeld.

Blumenfeld says, as far as the start of a new year, it’s really just like any other day. We are the ones who give the new year the power it has. And any day is a good one to strive for a new goal. Those who are most successful have a goal, they work toward it, and when they get knocked down they get up again.

85-year-old John Cohen knows a thing or two about setbacks. He was accidentally shot in the stomach as a child, and has a hole in his spine. He now has also had two hip replacements, a triple bypass, a mini stroke, and beat esophageal and colon cancer. Now, he’s awaiting stints for two blocked arteries. All this, and he had one leg amputated a few years back! None of those potential excuses keep him out of the “Get Lifted” crossfire gym.

“It’s medicine for your body. You’ve got to realize how important it is,” Cohen says. He also says it’s not an easy thing to get up and go some days. “I talk myself into coming. It’s an argument! It really is!”

Resisting temptations, like sleeping in, not working out, or smoking, can be done. You just have to train your brain, according to research. Neuroscientists say the brain changes based on what we do. Practice worrying, you’ll be better at worrying. Practice concentration, you’ll be good at that.

Blumenfeld helps people change their lives ever day. She says staying positive is important.

“If the story in your mind is negative, especially if you attach it to that goal, my suggestion is completely change the wording behind the goal, and the emotion behind it. Then, switch it up. It’s ok to stumble. Every one does. You just get back up again, that’s what life is all about,” she says.

Josh Montes is a trainer at Planet Fitness. He encourages his clients to write down every goal, both short and long term. He also suggests telling someone else so there is accountability. He says it’s important to go through the planning stage and detail how you’re going to reach your goal. If you fall short, don’t give up! Just find the desire to start again and make it happen.

How does someone like John Cohen, with so many health issues, keep going? He says it’s easy…one step at a time.

When asked what keeps him going, John Cohen says, “Get up! Get moving!”

So here’s to all of you who thought the new year and your resolutions were shot…the start of your “new year” can be any date you want. Pick one, and as John says, “Get moving!”