Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. ~ Robert J. Collier

For many of us, this is the month when our resolve will be most tested. Can we enjoy parties and manage a hectic holiday schedule, while keeping exercise and mindful eating habits a priority? Can we enter the New Year refreshed and energized, ready for new challenges? Will we?

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the Rich Dad book series, wrote an article titled “In Control.” He asks the question, “But what actually brings health, wealth, and happiness. Is it success and success alone?” He says that the pursuit of success does not automatically bring health and wealth. This conjures up thoughts for me of the numerous diet programs and pills offering success that in the end leave people worse off than before. That is not health.

Mr. Kiyosaki asserts that our pursuit of happiness can cause health and wealth problems. In the case of health, people who eat and drink to be happy have only found a temporary high, and the end result, if this behavior is a habit, is poor health and excess weight.

He says one factor, in particular, that is shown to help entrepreneurs lead happy, healthier, and wealthier lives is self-control. As an entrepreneur, that makes perfect sense to me. In fact, it makes sense, period, entrepreneur or not.

This is suggestive of a favorite scripture of mine in the New Testament – 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the spirit that God gave us is no cowardly spirit, but one to inspire power, love, and self-discipline.” At first glance, we easily understand and appreciate the gifts of power and love, but self-discipline? Yes. The reality is that doing the right thing, whether or not we feel like it in the moment (self-discipline), leads to long-term happiness. Think about a time you were in school or working on an important project. While putting in the time to study, research, write, make phone calls – whatever was required to produce the end result – may not have been your first choice of activity in the moment, the end result likely produced happiness. Think about the dissatisfaction that results from not doing the necessary actions. Have you experienced that before?

How can you stay in control and still enjoy the holiday season so that you remain true to yourself and the healthy habits you have established? Think of three promises you can make to yourself (e.g. “I will fit in at least ten minutes of exercise every day” or “I will eat a fruit or vegetable at each meal”), and keep them. During a time when most people feel crazed and out of control, you can happily experience the freedom (yes, really) of self-control.

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When friends and family ask what you want for the holidays, do you rattle off a list of gift ideas or are you stumped? Kids always have a ready-list of toys and games they would love to have but as adults, it becomes more of a challenge. After all, you’re not going to tell your sister that you want a new couch.

If that question leaves you at a loss, consider ideas to enhance your fitness program. For example, the Apple 1 GB Shuffle is a metal iPod the size of a matchbook that holds up to 240 songs for under $50 – you can take it anywhere to add music to your workouts.

Take a look at more ideas that include a variety of tools such as strength training fans, wrist wands, heart rate monitors, and home exercise equipment to increase your motivation and make your workouts more effective. If your exercise routine has become stale or, worse, is not producing the results you want, these items can help. Enjoy!

In health,
Heather Moreno

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Forget all that you have heard about surviving the holidays – we can do better! From religious celebrations and gift giving to family, friends, and parties, this is a time for connection, renewal, enjoyment, and down right fun. Try these five tips for a happy, healthy, and thriving holiday season:

1. Be generous with yourself – Busy finding, buying, and wrapping gifts for everyone on your list? Include yourself in the mix, and make it good – something no one else would give you. I’m talking about time. While everyone is hustling about, consider taking an afternoon to relax. If that seems too long, how about an hour? Read a book, meditate, watch a movie… and the best thing is, this gift you do not have to wrap!

2. Be a fun party-goer – Instead of dreading parties for all their calorie-laden foods, approach them with the anticipation of fun. Whether the party is an opportunity to connect with old friends you do not see very often or the chance to meet new people, go with the goal of being social.

3. Be choosey – Of course you will inevitably eat at a party. When you do, be choosey. If that chocolate treat that looked so good on the platter tastes less than spectacular, dump it.

4. Be cautious of liquid calories – One cup of eggnog (without alcohol) is 340 calories. Now, if you love eggnog – enjoy a cup. If not, see #3 above. Liquid calories – from cider and liquor to beer and wine – really add up if we are not mindful. And, have you noticed that when drinking alcohol you tend to not pay attention to over-eating? If you do drink, consider a glass of water between every beverage to reduce your calorie intake and keep your mind clear.

5. Be selfish – Selfish at the holidays? No, I have not gone off the deep end. Say “no” when you need to. Agreeing to something out of guilt or a sense of “should” (all the while dreading the commitment) does a favor to no one, least of all you. Trust that gut feeling (instinct) that tells you “this is something I don’t want to do.” And then, don’t do it. If you feel an obligation to contribute, offer to help find someone to fulfill the commitment.

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