Have a Defensive year!

In December of 1999 we all waited to see how the New Year would be celebrated. Many people waited in fear that all the computers would go down and perhaps mayhem would abound. My daughter was six months old and we were living in Dallas.I had planned a quiet home that night, for no other reason than being a new mother too tired to think about being out late. I remember hearing all the anticipation about what might happen and did wonder myself what could happen. At midnight, as January 1, 2000 came to pass nothing that had been predicted happened. In fact, I felt a little let down because nothing big had happened. The year came and went with nothing really eventful to report.
Fast forward and January 1, 2010 and I ask the question, "what if nothing changes?" Its been a tough economic year , the media reports to Americans that unemployment and foreclosures are at an all time high. What if this year isn't better? So many people have had a tough year and I know are glad the year is gone but how do you know what the year will be like if you wait for it to occur?
Are you planning a defensive year? The word defensive sounds strong and maybe even rough but the definition in football is to defend and protect your position. Are you ready to take this year on by defending and protecting your position? I hear people say "I can't wait to see what will happen this year" I say "don't wait to see, make it happen, and plan to see the year as you have hoped." I hope may of us can agree that each year we get better and experience gives us perspective to use as we grow. But are you looking for things to happen this year that you hoped to happen? Are you planning for your year in a way that anticipation is part of the defense? Are you going to spend this year tackling things you have avoided in the past? Would you be willing to take on life as if something or someone is trying to steal what you have worked so hard to hold on to? Jobs have been lost and many people you know may be experience a hardship we haven't seen in a long time. Are you planning your year in a way that even the bad stuff can be helpful?
I called a potential client who used her free call from the tft to ask questions about her fitness future. She had fallen during the last ice storm and broken her ankle. She had lost weight, been exercising regularly and was worried with her ankle she would lose ground and gain her weight back. She was a bit surprised when I told her this would be a great opportunity for her to work on food since exercise wouldn't be an option. Food is a major problem for people and weight loss is best achieved when food issues are under control. So I told her use this time to get really good at eating, not cheating and learning about calories then when she could go back to exercise it would be a bonus. Even though for many this break would be a bad thing, I think if you have the right defense when things happen to you they don't take away your position or your goals.
I hope this year you will live defensively. Plan for excellence and when you have something happened you haven't planned for be prepared to hold your ground.

Happy New Year Everyone.
Jolene