CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Every year, people from all over the world make a commitment to better themselves after the New Year begins, only to find they are less enthused to keep them as the year takes off.
Whether it’s losing weight and getting back in shape, avoiding addictions, improving finances or even continuing education, resolutions are made with hopes of a better year than the previous one.
Resolutions fade quickly because goals take time, and a little expert advice may be just what is needed to push those resolutions into high gear.
Weight loss and fitness goals can be the quickest to lose sight of, especially since it may take time to see results.
“It’s important to remember that a major component of fitness is nutrition,” said Roxanne Casinio, personal trainer, Semper Fit, Marine Corps Community Services. “Start off right by cleaning out your kitchens of junk food. Once you start eating better, you start feeling better, and workouts become more rewarding.”
As a personal trainer on base, Casinio gives fitness advice year round to those looking to improve their health and reminds her patrons that it is important to be open minded when it comes to fitness.
“Changing your routine will keep you interested in your goals,” she said. “Remember, it took time to gain the weight you want to get rid of, so it’ll take time to lose it. Don’t give up because results aren’t instantaneous.”
Creating healthy habits such as weight loss and improving physical fitness may be difficult, but breaking unhealthy habits can be even worse.
Before quitting smoking, the smoker should be sure they are ready to commit to the challenges of avoiding tobacco, said Julius H. Phillips, health educator, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.
There are different ways to quitting which may or may not be effective depending on the user. “Cold-turkey,” smoking cessation classes and even medication are options available to those seeking a way to halt tobacco use.
“To help with sudden, unexpected cravings, a simple alternative is to exercise; having a healthy snack, chewing gum, or removing yourself from a stressful situation can be helpful,” Philips said.
The base has avenues to deter tobacco use through smoking cessation classes provided by Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Community Services.
Willpower, repetition and awareness is helpful to quit tobacco use and can also help when becoming financially secure.
“Good finances are essential to success and it’s a part of mission readiness,” said Beth Middleton, personal financial specialist, Marine and Family Services, MCCS. “Marines with poor finances may be affected in their careers when it comes to reenlisting, deploying and security clearances.”
Financial education classes are offered throughout the year through MCCS and can help service members with basic budgeting, credit and investing.
“Living paycheck-to-paycheck is a self-inflicted problem,” Middleton said. “The classes we have can teach even our most financially-savvy service members to get a better grasp on their finances.”
One of the best ways to earn a larger salary and maintain finances more efficiently is to put in the time this year for an education.
“Making the decision to further your education by taking college courses is a goal that should be pursued,” said Terry Pede, education and operation training assistant, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base. “Whether you make a career out of the military or not, a college education will never hurt.”
Seeking a college education may be difficult, however financially it can be reached without using the GI Bill.
The Joint Education Center is available to help service members decide which schools and classes are right for them and offers tuition assistance to help.
As the year proceeds, it is easy to lose sight of the resolutions committed to, but the professionals and services the base offers are available to keep those goals alive and succeed in mission accomplishment.