Reality check: only 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions stick to them, and those who don’t usually abandon them after just one week.
It should go without saying that unrealistic resolutions are fated to fail. And it is unrealistic to think that you can immediately overcome a habit you have spent years establishing. For example, if you’ve spent years smoking, or eating unhealthily, or not exercising, it’s a fantasy to think its going to be easy to reverse those activities as if they never happened to begin with. And the all-or-nothing mindset doesn’t help (i.e. you’ve only succeeded if you’ve created a new you).
It will be difficult to adhere to any lifestyle change but you can’t think in terms of success or failure. That’s a black and white mentality that more often than not sets you up for disappointment. This can compromise your sense of self worth which can backfire and lead to even worse behavior. Instead have a plan in place, set short term goals, and look for (and celebrate) signs of progress to keep you on track realizing that success is never linear—in ANYTHING. Be kind to yourself, and realize that you’re always one meal, or workout, away from getting right back on track.
New year, new resolutions that probably won’t make it to February. 🥴 More often than not, health and wellness resolutions are highly restrictive and unsustainable, leading most people to break their resolutions within a few weeks.
Set goals that are sustainable to you in long term. Start with small steps, be consistent. Experience small wins and gain confidence. Now use this new confidence, to reach next level.
There is a process to attain your health goals and keep them forever. That process is time taking, repetitive, effortful and mostly boring.
*Do read the Disclaimer