Now that the holidays are over and our lives have gone back to some sense of normalcy, it’s time to take a look at the next 365 days and make them awesome. A new year brings new possibilities and positive change for us all.  It gives us the reason to reset some aspects of our lives, and get a fresh slate from which to work.  New Year’s resolutions allow us to self-assess and set the foundation for the next twelve months.

However, now that 2014 is in the books, it’s also important to reflect on what we did accomplish and celebrate the achievements we made in the past year.  These can be feats of strength in the gym, or in your everyday life.  Did you set a PR for your back squat or improve the mobility in your shoulders?  Did you lose 10 pounds? Did you learn a new skill or start a new job?  Did you make any new friends or mend a broken relationship? Before making new resolutions for 2015, take the time to appreciate all you did in 2014.

Attaining goals are a big deal.  Don’t forget to celebrate.  Well, maybe not like this…

Once you’ve rewarded yourself on a successful year, it’s time to set up a plan to make 2015 even better.  Let’s build upon what we’ve already accomplished and sprinkle in some new challenges to tackle.  When creating goals and resolutions for 2015, I think it’s important to first identify your weaknesses.  We all have have an area where we can improve and a good self-assessment can identify where you need to focus.  Try to get as specific as possible and hold yourself accountable.  For me, it’s all about writing down my goal and setting a specific plan of action.  Give yourself few short term and long term goals to keep you motivated all year. Like your 2014 achievements, these don’t have to be fitness oriented.

Finally, be realistic.  Set attainable goals.  We all want to deadlift 600 pounds, look like a Greek god or goddess, run a sub 5 minute mile, and own a villa on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  I don’t know about you, but these are not happening for me in 2015.  No matter what you decide, give yourself something attainable and give it 100% of your effort.  You can always reassess once you attain these goals.

Below are my goals for 2015.  Please feel free to use the Steelworks Facebook page to post your goals.

Fitness Goals:
– 6 month
      – Clean and Jerk 245 lbs
      – Snatch 195 lbs
      – Sub 4 minute Fran

      – Increase mobility in my hips/ankles/shoulders

-1 year
      – Back Squat 375 lb
      – Front Squat 325 lb
      – Sub 3:30 Fran
      – 15 UB Muscle Ups
Personal Goals:
– Put away electronic devices after 9pm
– Pack lunch to work 3 times per week
– Arrive to work 15 minutes early every day
– Read a book every month
Good Luck everybody!
-Nick