It's been almost 7 weeks since the year 2011 began, and statistics have shown that not even half of the people who set their resolutions keep them past 6 weeks into the new year.
Why is that?
Several reasons why people tend to not keep their new years resolutions are...
-disorganization
-fear
-lack of support
-unrealistic amount of goals to achieve
-one unrealistic goal to achieve
I'm sure there are many other reasons why people don't keep their new years resolutions, but I won't overwhelm you all with it.
My point is, why do people set themselves up for failure so readily?
Answer: They want a quick solution without having to really change their lifestyles or who they are as a person (for the most part).
So instead of that, lets put this whole new year resolution thing into perspective and really think about it. Let me address all the reasons that I pointed out above.
Disorganization
In order to really set yourself up for success, it's important to figure out what you want, and that it's okay to spend a little time/energy/money on yourself.
So write down your resolution. Write out exactly what you plan to do, and have a deadline. If you think of excuses of why you won't be able to do it, then lessen your resolution. Or make sure that you can resolve your obstacles, like get a babysitter twice a week for an hour. Or find a friend to exercise with you. Or make room in your budget to spend money twice a week going to an exercise class instead of buying that venti Latte that you just HAD to have that day. I'm sure that a spouse, friend, or family member can help out with kids or pets or even just being there getting through your goal with you.
But whatever you do, WRITE IT DOWN! And again, be sure to write down exactly what you want out of this whole resolution thing. Be specific!
Fear
Many people have a big fear of the word "exercise", "fitness", "diet", etc. Well what about saying those words in a different way, such as "physical activity", "wellness", and "healthy nutrition"? Are they scary now? Lets make it even more simple and just say "health and well-being". Now that seems more likable than any of the other words I previously used. Instead of using those first phrases, try to use my simpler phrase of "health and well-being".
Now there's the fear of being healthy and well. This means now you actually have to get active and get out of your comfort zone.
For example, a lot of people hate to get all hot and sweaty. The act of breathing hard and having their heart pump harder and faster is scary for them. And understandably so.
However, the more a person challenges their body, the longer their body will last and the lower the risks are for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and most of all, obesity.
So which is scarier? Heart disease or sweat? Heart disease or sweat? HEART DISEASE or sweat? I hope I'm making my point: the heat, sweat, fast paced heart, and breathlessness is worth it!
Lack of Support
When people decide to make a goal to lose weight, it's important that they realize it's also a life change. When they do this, it is also just as important for their family and friends to not only respect their decision, but to support them in it.
For new years resolutions, many individuals find themselves all alone in their goals. And tempted. Tempted to not be active, to eat and drink excessively and unhealthily, and/or to sleep odd hours.
So instead of trying to keep goals on the downlow, try to tell friends and family about what you would like to achieve. This in turn, will help keep a kind of accountability for you, and may also improve the lives of others around you. Remember, stay intentional about your goals and tell others exactly what you aim to do. Be honest with yourself and others and you will have a better chance of reaching your goals. If the people around you don't support you in your goals, maybe you need new friends! ;)
Unrealistic Amount of Goals to Achieve
Due to it being a new year with new change and a "new life", several people get so inspired to jump start their new healthy lives by setting too many goals. Having excitement and motivation is one thing. And it's an important tool to possess. But it's better to set yourself up for success by thinking of maybe 2-3 small goals that you know you are capable of reaching. This way, not only do you reach your goals, but you are also more confident in setting more reachable goals for yourself, and so on.
One Unrealistic Goal to Achieve
On the other side of the spectrum, others like to set one massive goal that is more than likely not going to be met anytime soon, or ever. For example, a smoker says: "I'm going to quit tomorrow and that's that." Okay, so the next day comes, life gets stressful, they forgot to buy nicotene patches or gum. What's putting off one more day? And it's a bit tough not to, especially when they go to a smoky bar that night.
My point is, think of a concise, realistic, yet challenging goal that isn't scary buy it's hopeful and encouraging. Make sure to be supportive of yourself. Get rid of your itty bitty s**tty committee and believe in yourself!
For questions, comments, concerns, support, encouragement, etc. please feel free to email me. I'm here to help you reach your goals.
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