New Year, new resolutions…and possibly some very high expectations. 
I’ll be honest with you… This year will have it’s trials and tribulations.
And no matter if your resolution was/is to lose weight, be more organized, or get a new job, I promise you it wont be easy.
Heck, even if your resolution was to simplify your life and set boundries, it still won’t be easy.
Because just like every other year, 2011 will throw you some curve balls – things you simply can’t control and in no way could forsee.
So for 2011, I want you to make your resolutions, improve your life and simplify where you can, but I also want you to remember a saying for when things get tough…It’s an old Thomas Carlisle quote:
No Pressure, No Diamonds.
It’s important to control the stress in your life, but this doesn’t mean you have to back down or shy away from challenges.
BP
When I was at school, I used “Get Some or Be One”
Great reminder Brad. Thanks.
Bring it 2011!!
Brad,
Great post. Wishing everyone the best in achieving their goals for 2011!
Alykhan
You are right, however I think that 2011 is going to be one of the best years in my life so far.
Greg
Great post. I have found that it in life and in fitness my success has always come when my attitude was determined but flexible. What I mean is, you have to have goals that you aspire to, but do not be discouraged if everyday does not work out according to your plans. Sometimes the best trhings in life happen when you have to improvise or try new things. This is why I love ESE. Unlike conventional 6 meal per day diets, ESE leaves room for birthdays, holidays, business dinners, and unexpected times to eat larger amounts of calories. The conventional fat loss diets set you up for failure with unrealistic expectations for anyone who isn’t a fitness model or pro body builder! So cheers to Brad, ESE, and everyone that gets ripped in 2011 without letting diet run their lives!
@ BadgerDave – That is Hilarious!!!!
I like your positive and realistic outlook for 2011. It’s amazing what can be done with positive energy, vision, purpose, and focus. My motto for this year is “Pay the price to be great”. “Do it now!” was the runner up. I just repeat these terms when I am feeling sluggish and don’t want to put in the work. By the way I’ll be getting ever leaner with ESE because it’s by far the best diet program around. Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.
Brad,
Thanks for the great reminder that things will always be changing. Be flexible and take things as they come.
David
Brad, do you take blog requests? Here’s a question I’ve never had answered.
Once I create a caloric deficit, how long does it take for my body to burn fat to make up the difference?
For example, assuming a 2000-kcal bmr, if I start fasting at 9 pm on a Sunday, having eaten 2000 calories that day, at what point does the deficit turn into fat loss?
I ask because, contrary to common advice, I’ve always had better luck losing fat when I wait longer between meals. I’m wondering if there’s a physiol
…physiological explanation, or if taking more time between meals just results in my eating less.
Thanks! Happy new year!
Keep your fitness essentials simple :
1. No Food Stressing
2. Exercising Properly
3. Relaxing
then it can be actually a great fundation for my new year resolution.
Hey Brad, simple question if you have a minute.
I’m working on cutting my body fat down to the 7-10% range, about 15% currently, and after listening to you and Brad Howard and John Barben, I have been eating less. At 6’0″ and 190-195 pounds, I have been shooting for sub-1,500 calories per day. Also on your advice, I have made sure to get in at least 3 workouts of heavy lifting a week to preserve muscle. My question is:
Should I worry about eating say 500-1000 calories on some days?
I fast for most of the day while at work (desk job) and feel fine while doing it. Most/all of my calories come at dinner with my wife. If I’m feeling fine (mood is great, strength at the gym is stable, and potatoes with dinner help me stay satiated), do you see any reason not to go so low with calories? I’m hoping that if I can manage to eat super low calories on some days that it will just help speed up my fat loss (April 2 is my target date). I think I’m ok given what you said in your Eat Stop Eat Audio Files but thought I’d run it by you just in case.
Thanks, love what you and John and Brad provide. Very important stuff.
-Mark
P.S. I eat mostly whole/unprocessed foods as I find that it makes me much less hungry and I’d guess that my nutrient intake should be ok. Protein intake is sometimes in the 70-120 range, sometimes lower, but thanks to you I don’t worry about it.