What is Reverse New Years?
Simply put, instead of starting personal improvement goals on January 1st, pick a timeframe that has you finishing your goal by December 31st.
Examples:
September 11 – 16 Weeks
September 23 – 100 Days
October 9 – 12 Weeks
October 16 – 77 Days
November 6 – 8 weeks
November 20 – 6 Weeks
December 4 – 4 Weeks
December 11 – 21 Days
It's time to overthrow the way we think about New Years Goals. Here are the other reasons this is an optimal time to focus on personal improvement goals:
- September brings the end of Summer (especially if you have kids) and actually feels more like a time for change
- The days start to get shorter and colder (SAD). This differs depending on where you live.
- Nutrition challenges resulting in potential weight gain (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years)
- By January we are usually at a low and now heading into the deep cold winter months. It’s been documented that the 3rd week in January is the most depressing of the year (Christmas bills etc.). Therefore January 1st is a much more difficult time to start transformation goals.
How did Reverse New Years Start?
Hi, my name is Albert Klein, and In September of 2016 I was asked by Richard Clewes, a client of mine who co-founded a charity called OneWorldSchoolhouse Foundation, to join him in running the perimeter of the island of St. Lucia in July of 2017 as part of his Find52 fundraising and awareness campaign. I knew that in order to be able to do this I needed to drop some weight and prepare my body for running longer distances. I decided that starting October 16, I would run on the treadmill for 21 minutes every day for 77 days, which would take me to December 31. I used the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Action, Realistic, Time Frame) principle to set up this goal. The way I thought about my goal was a bit different though and what I experienced changed the way I now look at goal setting. My goal was more about the Action than the Outcome and what I Measured was the Actions rather than the pounds I lost etc. Out of this came the SMARTER principle of goal setting. Specific, Measurable, Action, Realistic, Time Frame, Empowering, Reflect/Revise/Repeat.
ACTION vs OUTCOME based GOALS
Use the SMARTER system to help you determine your actions. Once you have a goal and time frame, set up your action plan. This should be a daily or weekly action to move you in the direction of what your goal is. If your goal is weight loss, focus on the daily/weekly actions that will result in weight loss rather than the outcome of losing an X amount of weight. Experiencing daily/weekly success is EMPOWERING and allows you to feel accomplishment throughout your Reverse New Year journey. Every day/week is an opportunity to REFLECT on the execution of your action plan and feel accomplishment. It is also an opportunity to REVISE your action plan if you find it too challenging or not challenging enough. Then REPEAT... each day, each week... or once you've completed your time frame, chose a new time frame and continue. Ultimately the ACTIONS that you take on and execute regularly will become part of your lifestyle. They will become habits that will continue to move you in the direction of the goal you are trying to achieve.
Your Lifestyle Transformation Coach
Albert Klein, Hon.BSc.(HK), CAT(C), RMT, R.Kin, CSCS
Albert combines his credentials as a Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist with his Registered Kinesiologist and Strength & Conditioning Specialist qualifications to provide his clients with a unique approach to health and fitness.
Shortly after starting his Biological Science Degree at the University of Guelph in 1996, Albert got accepted into a combined program with Sheridan College in Sports Injury Management. In September of 1998, Trainers Haven was founded as a supplier of health and wellness products, primarily selling first aid and athletic therapy supplies to classmates and local clinics. In the summer of 2000, Albert got a job at the local GoodLife fitness club and started working there part time as a Personal Trainer. He graduated in 2001 with a Human Kinetics Degree and a Sports Injury Management Diploma and used this education along with his athletic background to quickly become a top Personal Trainer in the GoodLife company where he worked from 2000-2005. During his 5 years at GoodLife, Albert helped hundreds of Clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals and received numerous nominations for Trainer of the Year. While working at GoodLife, Albert was also quickly becoming sought after by individuals looking for Exercise and Rehab Services in the comfort of their own homes, and so began the service side of Trainers Haven. Starting in 2005, Albert also set up a fitness studio in Guelph where he continues to see clients today. In 2014 he also set up a studio in Kitchener and now splits his time between those two locations. Additionally, in 2012 Albert competed a Massage Therapy Diploma and became a Registered Massage Therapist. In 2016 Albert added the designation of Registered Kinesiologist. Throughout his career Albert has also presented at numerous locations educating people on fitness and rehabilitation. His education, along with his passion for health and wellness and 20+ years of experience in the industry, has plaid a key role in the evolution of his Reverse New Years venture. The goal now is to help empower people with the skills and tools to truly transform their lives by teaching and coaching them to take ACTIONS that will become habits leading to a positive lifestyle change. For more information go to www.trainers-haven.com