New Years resolutions

Happy new year!! As is wont at this time of year, making resolutions for the coming 12 months is a great way to define a path and routine to achieve your goals. To me, resolutions are the new process you aim to create which will (hopefully) lead to your goals, which by definition are different to the process you have been following.

As the truism goes, if you do the same things you'll get the same outcome, so it's (only) by changing something that you'll give yourself the chance of achieving that hard to reach goal. But the problem is that humans are resistant to change...which is the crux of new years resolutions. So let me suggest some things you might consider to be your resolutions.

• Have a plan for where you're going, and how you're going to get there. Have goals.
• Be consistent in training, by removing the little obstacles, excuses, reasons, etc, for not training.
• Train well, according to the training plan / schedule from your coach. Don't cut corners. Don't compromise.
• Be patient. All good things take time, and haste can bring unwanted outcomes.
•  Learn more about the sport you do, and what it demands. Be an educated athlete.
• Get to know yourself, as a person and as an athlete. Refresh your perspective and balance in life and in sport. Be honest. Be humble.
• Do the "one percenter" things in preparation, like post-training nutrition, core strength exercises, (self-)massage, etc.
• Have a passion for the process of training and preparation. See every session as an opportunity to improve and develop.
• Focus on your own square metre, but support your friends with their own goals.
• Take responsibility for your own destiny. Rely on guidance and advice, but own what you actually do.
• Get to training on time, with the necessary equipment, ready to train.
• Do your best. Be your best. All the time. No one can ask for more than that.

I hope you have a great 2011.