Fight off New Year's resolution saboteurs.

Byline: Submitted by TOPS Club Inc.

Its that time of year again. Gyms are packed, diet commercials dominate television, and people are fired up and ready to make a change.

Its no secret that New Years resolutions are often health-focused. Maybe 2018 is your year to lose weight, quit smoking, or be ready for that 5K race by spring.

You might start off with a bang in January and then a little "saboteur" comes knocking. According to TOPS Club, Inc.[R] (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, that saboteur is different for everyone, but often looks a lot like one of these:

* The "I-dont-have-time" saboteur. The combination of work, family and social commitments makes this one of the most popular saboteurs. People are busy period. But, ultimately, you make time for what you value most, and your health should be at the top of this list.

* The "all-or-nothing" saboteur. Having an all-or-nothing mentality can actually do more harm than good. Dont get down on yourself for skipping a workout or eating a brownie. Instead, look back at your choices and decide what you can do differently next time around. Perfection is not possible or necessary.

* The "poor-pitiful-me" saboteur. Do you have a friend or spouse that can eat whatever he or she wants and not gain an ounce? Do you eat salmon and salads all week and still gain five pounds when you simply look at a piece of cheesecake? If youve ever had a thought like this, you may have listened to your inner "poor-pitiful-me" saboteur. A little self-pity from time to time is only human. However, frequent feelings of self-pity and resentment will sabotage even the best resolve. Its time to move from thoughts of "missing out" to thoughts of freedom from the foods and behaviors that ultimately only make us unhappier in the end.

* The "Ill-do-it-tomorrow" saboteur. New Years resolutions and procrastination dont mix. If something is truly important to you, why wouldnt you want to get started right away? With New Years resolutions, and life in general, slip-ups will happen and saboteurs may try to stand in the way of your goals. Remember, a saboteur can only derail your efforts permanently if you allow it.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization.

Founded in 1948, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS promotes successful weight management with a "Real People. Real Weight Loss" philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information.

TOPS has more than 125,000 members in thousands of chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting for free. Membership is $32 per year, plus chapter fees. To find a local chapter, visit www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.