The Right Foot

Can you believe that another year has gone by and we are saying Happy New Year yet again? Where does the time go? 2010, A New Year and a new decade dawns: What dreams will come, what will we do?

Our society and tradition both dictate that every 365 days, we should start fresh and try to get rid of bad habits. We are told to sit down and reflect: What kinds of New Years resolutions will we make this January 1st?

On New Year’s Eve, I was asked the simple question, “Ilyse, what is your New Year’s resolution?” I answered, “Oh my gosh…I haven’t even thought of one. That is a really good question. I guess I have been so busy listening to everyone else’s goals and desires for 2010 that I forgot about my own.”

2010 for me will begin with the right foot. What do I mean by this? My Mom advises me to always walk in with the right foot whether it is for an audition, airplane ride, or even just the supermarket. It does not matter what, why, or where…walking in with the right foot says it all. The right foot sets a positive path for a new way, a new beginning, and the unexpected.

With the right foot, I will continue inspiring many, changing peoples’ lives one body at a time, motivate, be a confidant, and get the job done. I want to share my passion, drive, and enthusiasm for dance and fitness with the entire World. I will continue my blog on a weekly basis. I want to focus on not spreading myself too thin and saying yes to everything and everyone. I tend to do this a lot and realize that I am really not doing what Ilyse wants. My list of things for 2010 goes on and on…

Now it is your turn…I am sure that most of you, if not all of you have your resolutions set and your goals written out. Here are some more ways to approach things that I think will benefit you:

1) Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp, but you can still dream?! ☺

2) Describe your resolutions in specific terms. Instead of "I don't want to be lazy," opt for "I want to exercise regularly" or "I will cut down on my television watching."

3) Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.

4) Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. So you want to quit smoking but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?

5) Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

I encourage you to write your goals down on a piece of paper and post it in a spot that you see everyday. There are no excuses for 2010…you CAN do it…you WILL do it! It is as simple as what I always say, “It is not that deep. Just do it. I promise you will thank me later.” Walk into 2010 on the right foot…it is just that simple.