Finish 2009 Strong and Healthy

The countdown is on towards the end of the year. Although your mind may already be gearing up for the Christmas season, consider something else…
Would you say you are healthier now than at the beginning of the year?
Did you accomplish your health and wellness goals?
Are you happy with your current level of health?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions then I want to encourage you to finish the year strong. It’s not too late!
It’s not how you start that matters as much as how well you finish.  
So, exactly how are you going to do this? As with every good success story, it all starts with setting your goals.

Step 1: Identify your top two fitness goals

Set goals that are specific, measurable and deadline driven. If you don’t know where you want to go, then it will be impossible to get there.
Be sure to state your goals in the affirmative. Here are some examples:

• I will lose 10 pounds in the next two months
• I will increase my lean muscle mass by 10 per cent in the next 60 days.
• I will decrease my cholesterol by five per cent in the next two months.

Step 2: Complete an Action Plan

Your action plan will outline exactly how you're going to achieve your goals. List five action steps for each of your goals. Here are some examples:

• I will not eat after 8:00 pm.
• I will do aerobic exercise for 30 minutes five days per week
• I will perform weight training exercises three times per week.
• I will maintain food records
• I will replace my Coke with water.

Set 3: Get Busy

Setting goals are easy; the real work comes in carrying them out. I encourage you to spend some time and look at the 'whys' around your goals. Why is reaching this goal important to you? What is driving you? The ‘why’ must be big and motivating enough to make you want to achieve success.

Beloved, remember that He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion (Phil.1:6) So, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. It is God’s will for us that we prosper and be in good health. (3 John 1:2) and He will help you do it. Over the next two months you will be tested and tried in this area but you must believe that you can do all things through Christ- He is where your strength comes from (Phil 4:13). God does not leave you on our own to face your Goliath’s. He promises you your own personal trainer- the Holy Spirit- to guide you and lead you into all truth (John14:17); to give you strength to do extraordinary tasks (Judges 3:10); and to teach you (John 14:26). With Power so great on your side, know you can do all things!

I encourage you to finish the year strong, recommitting yourself to finish strong while giving God all the glory. Start today!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.~1 Cor 9:24

Cathy Morenzie
Rhema Health and Wellness