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The gyms are packed from January to early March. It is difficult to find a place to park your car. There is often a wait to use the exercise equipment. The fitness classes are elbow to elbow, and the die-hards are annoyed that their space in class has been taken. New members are diligently following their workout log sheets as they scurry from machines to dumbbells.

But by late spring, the regulars are relieved that the crunch is over. The New Year's "Resolutioners" have given up on their exercise and are once again disappointed that they have not gotten it done. My 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry has led me to believe that many are unable to adhere to a healthy regime or an exercise program because it is one more thing to do.

As a society, we put a lot of emphasis on all that we do. We believe that if we do this and do that or accomplish this and accomplish that, then we will have a heightened sense of self-worth or value. We charge out of bed (or stagger, in my case) when the alarm rudely awakens us and set out to conquer our to-do lists. I am totally in favor of to- do lists and find that they help me stay focused on my goals. However, at times my lists have grown long enough for two people. Why do we wonder, then, that our exercise regimens do not get crossed off the list or even make it onto the list? I have learned after years of overdoing that I can actually reach my goals more efficiently and with less effort by spending more time simply being.

Being is a total acceptance of yourself at any given moment, regardless of what you are or are not doing. It is letting go of judgments. It is knowing that what you do or do not do has nothing to do with your self-worth or value. It is knowing that you have value without constant doing. It is knowing that you are unique and special simply because you exist. This small shift in perspective gives you more energy and helps you to prioritize and do only what is important to you.

To help you have your healthiest year ever and move toward other goals with less strain, I suggest the following:

1. Totally and completely accept all aspects of yourself unconditionally. (Yes, even those extra pounds of body fat.)
It is easy to self-accept when everything is the way you want it to appear. But what if this is not the case? This is when you step into self-judgment or judgment of others. You begin to think, "This is not good," "They are wrong and I am right," "I'm stupid," "I'm not pretty/thin enough," etc.
Then the emotions are uncomfortable and you push them down and become lethargic, or worse yet, busier than ever trying to fix or forget them. The key to self-acceptance or "being" is just the opposite. Embrace your feelings and the situations and release all judgments of them. This will allow a natural rhythm and flow of your life. How frequently are you judging yourself and others throughout the day? Take notice—you may be surprised!

2. Know that you're more than enough.
We put such undue pressures upon ourselves. Do your best each day and know it is enough. Some days your best may seem better than others. But knowing you are enough does not have to be based on how much is accomplished on a daily basis. Each day, you are enough. When you remind yourself of this, you will feel lighter, more joyous. Those around you will sense your joy and will feel more joyous themselves. Each of us is born with unique talents and gifts to be expressed. Acknowledge them and present them to the world. See how purposeful your life becomes. It does not matter what gifts others have. Focus on your gifts.

3. Replace negative self talk with kind words.
Negative thoughts rob us of our energy. If our thoughts are critical and limiting about who and what we are, it becomes difficult to gather the energy to do much more than what is required of us by our families or employers. But when our thoughts are nurturing and positive, we have the energy and the motivation to take care of ourselves by exercising and eating properly. Talk to yourself as you would talk to your best friend. Let go of limiting thoughts. When you desire to make a change, whether it is a new career, relationship, place to live, whatever, notice your "Yes, buts": "Yes, but I can't do this," or "Yes, but I don't have the education," or "Yes, but I'm not attractive enough." Release those "Yes, buts" and think "I will!" Feel the difference between these two thoughts. Which thought gives you the feeling of empowerment versus disempowerment? Choose the thoughts that empower.

4. Take time to quiet your mind.
Numerous scientific studies have proven the benefits of regular spiritual practices such as meditation. Self-awareness, creativity,love of self and others, feelings of vitality and rejuvenation, a sense of purpose and personal growth are just a few. An article in the April 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association named meditation as one of several behavioral destressors in recovering from mental or physical diseases. Another study at the National Institutes of Health says that regular involvement in spiritual activities contributes to a longer life.

Most of us are aware of this as well, but are hesitant to practice. Why is this? I know that in my own attempts and failures in the past, I overdid it in the beginning and practiced a form of spiritual practice I didn't enjoy, just as many do with their physical exercise. I began by sitting in a lotus position for an hour attempting to quiet my mind, but at the end I was frustrated, defeated and unable to stand, not enlightened and serene. As with physical exercise, begin a spiritual practice at the level that is comfortable for you and progress from there. Start with 10 to 15 minutes daily of quiet reflection: listening to relaxing music, reading material that inspires, taking a stroll in nature or perhaps journaling. Find the spiritual practice that you enjoy.

If you will actively do these simple things, you'll experience higher energy levels and be more apt to exercise. You'll gravitate toward more positive choices in every area of your life, from food to relationships. You will find yourself knowing who you truly are—a wonderful human "being"!

Denna Shelton, cPT, inspires others in the field of health and fitness, focusing on wellness in body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit www.twentygems.com.