and longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. ByTips to Jump Start Your Level of Fitness

Although January signifies the beginning of frigid weather and shorter days, it also brings you the opportunity to reflect on the year that has just past and offers a perfect time to evaluate the level of fitness that presently exists in your life. If you look back to the past with feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction, you are not alone. Thankfully, each year brings the opportunity for positive change. Change is not an easy process; if it were, we would all stroll through our lives rolling from one stage to an even better one with no difficulty at all.

The fact is, however, that change is a process that takes time, commitment and a tremendous amount of support in order for it to be truly accomplished. In implementing any positive change in our lives, perhaps the most crucial factor to keep in mind is to think of the possibility of such change in an optimistic manner. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, who is a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, thinking optimistically is a highly effective way to increase wellbeing. There is direct evidence that positive emotions predict health and longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. By

ife. If you look back to the past with feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction, you are not alone. Thankfully, each year brings the opportunity for positive change. Change is not an easy process; if it were, we would all stroll through our lives rolling from one stage to an even better one with no difficulty at all.

The fact is, however, that change is a process that takes time, commitment and a tremendous amount of support in order for it to be truly accomplished. In implementing any positive change in our lives, perhaps the most crucial factor to keep in mind is to think of the possibility of such change in an optimistic manner. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, who is a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, thinking optimistically is a highly effective way to increase wellbeing. There is direct evidence that positive emotions predict health and longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. By

ne with no difficulty at all.

The fact is, however, that change is a process that takes time, commitment and a tremendous amount of support in order for it to be truly accomplished. In implementing any positive change in our lives, perhaps the most crucial factor to keep in mind is to think of the possibility of such change in an optimistic manner. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, who is a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, thinking optimistically is a highly effective way to increase wellbeing. There is direct evidence that positive emotions predict health and longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. By

think of the possibility of such change in an optimistic manner. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, who is a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, thinking optimistically is a highly effective way to increase wellbeing. There is direct evidence that positive emotions predict health and longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. Byand longevity. The reason behind much of Seligman’s finding is that optimistic thinkers view obstacles as temporary. They recognize that it is not the circumstance in our live that make us happy or sad, but rather our perception of those events that dictates how we feel and move forward. By choosing to look on the good side of any challenge and electing to believe in ourselves and our ability to conquer, recover and be resilient, there is nothing that can keep us down permanently. This is viewing life through the glass half full mentally. Studies have shown that optimistic thinkers:

• Are more successful at work

• Have better health habits

• Have lower blood pressure

• Have feistier immune systems

• Experience more life enjoyment

• Have more friends

• Live longer than pessimist thinkers

With such optimistic encouragement to fuel you, here are some tips to help you become a healthier you inside and out in this New Year!

1. Make a commitment to the type of changes you wish to implement

in the New Year. Set aside some quiet time to reflect on what it would look like if you were totally satisfied with the level of fitness in your life. This is unique to each of us. After you clarify what your fitness goals are, write them down in a health and fitness journal. Use this journal to record your progress and your feelings during this process of change. This serves to both clarify