A Resolution is Not Enough for a Healthy New Year
| 2 min read
Turning wellness goals into New Year’s Resolutions can be challenging. That’s because achieving those goals often requires a better strategy.
First, let’s look at the reasons most of us feel compelled to declare a resolution for the new year:
- The new year feels like an opportunity for a fresh start.
- Waiting for the new year can provide an excuse for not already having accomplished our goals.
- Tradition.
That said, we should remember that every day is a new opportunity to do better and make smarter choices. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a New Year’s resolution, it can be the next meal or snack or the next hour.
Failure Despite Good Intentions
With our current obesity crisis, it’s no surprise that a top resolution people make is to lose weight, but did you know that 70% of New Year’s resolutions are broken within the first week?
One reason is that people are often too hard on themselves and set the bar too high. When this is the case, resolutions are easily broken, because at the time, success seems like the only option.
Instead of making outrageous resolutions, be realistic and make a plan that is achievable with your current lifestyle. Change is not easy, so think about the following things:
- What is your goal?
- Why is that your goal?
- What tools do you need to accomplish your goal?
For example, if you are trying to lose weight, that is your what. Why? Because you want to be healthy for the long term, but for the mid-term you want to be fit and feel great about yourself. Lastly, what tools do you need? A healthier diet and increased activity, basically move more and eat less. Remember to be realistic.
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