Here’s a fact. 

So many January resolutions fail not because people lack willpower or desire for change but because it is too jarring to go from the full-on decadence of the holidays to absolute discipline at December 31st’s stroke of midnight. The fact is, you probably could not pick a worse time in the year to attempt such a change, with the obvious aside being the start of the holidays. 

January is a time to catch your breath. Reflect upon what just took place in the year prior as well as what is about to take place in the dozen months before you. The obvious question then becomes when might be the best time to begin your reclamation projects? The good news is you don’t have to wait very long, because the best time to get started on a new you is the month of February.

First, through January, you get to stew in successes and failures from the past year. This will let you see where your mind returns to most. For the things that fulfilled you, revel in your victory and carry on. For the things that rankled you, let your attention fixate there. The more it hurts, the better shot you have at turning it around. 

The second reason February is your go-to month is that it is the shortest month there is. So if you had to pick a month to commit to leading a clean lifestyle full of good decisions, the one with just 28 days is your friend. Figure out what you want to change and commit to a 28 day campaign of absolute discipline and good choices. Just promise yourself that. See if it moves the needle (if you follow through, I predict it will). 

The third reason February is perfect is in many parts of the America it is the tail end of winter and cold and miserable so you can't do much of anything else anyway. And after your month of discipline you will be rewarded, in March, with the coming of spring and longer, warmer days. And after your FitFeb victories, you will be poised to enjoy the new season and rest of the year with a heightened fulfillment (and fitter body). 

So make February your Fit February and get a jump on making the coming year better than the last.