A new year is a time to swear off unhealthy habits or start healthy ones, but don't let scary stats - like the fact that only eight percent of people stick to their New Year's resolutions - discourage you. Instead, be inspired by real people who came, saw, and conquered their goals. First up: POPSUGAR's own Maggie Eisenberg, who made it her mission to learn how to swim. Check out her inspiring New Year's resolution success story below!
POPSUGAR: What was your resolution, and why did you make it?
Maggie Eisenberg: My resolution in 2012 was to learn how to swim. I made it for three major reasons. 1. Safety: it's just not smart to only doggie paddle, especially when I'm a sailor. 2. I wanted to have a healthy activity to do for the rest of my life. 3. A lot of my friends swim for a fundraiser called Swim Across America and I didn't want to be a land volunteer again.
PS: What were the factors that helped you be successful?
ME: My sister helped me sign up for swim lessons and kept me motivated even when I was on the side of the pool learning how to blow bubbles. Oh yeah, I found out my swim instructor was actually an ex-Olympian. An ex-Olympian had to teach me to blow bubbles. I can't get over it.
Two women at my gym, also sisters, kept tabs on me throughout my training. They held me accountable for the morning swims and when I didn't show up, they'd tell me that if women in their 60s and 70s could jump the water a few mornings a week, a 24-year-old better be able to do the same.
PS: What one piece of advice would you give someone who is making the same resolution this year?
ME: Stop being embarrassed and do want you want to do. I didn't learn how to swim for so long because I didn't want anyone to see me struggle in the pool. When I cared more about the goal rather than how I looked or what people thought of me, everything changed. I actually think it is pretty cool that I learned how to swim at 24 and did an open-water swim in the San Francisco Bay at 25. It also doesn't hurt to have friends and family put money down on you for a fundraiser. That is a good way to avoid quitting!
Congrats, Maggie! If you have a healthy New Year's resolution success story to share, message us on Facebook with a bit about your goal. We may feature you in our series!
from POPSUGAR Fitness http://ift.tt/1pJJeVH
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