I want to lose 20 kilos; I need to gain 5 kilos of muscle; I’m going to stop eating chocolate; I plan to exercise everyday; I’ll start lifting weights; I’m buying a gym membership tomorrow…. And the list goes on. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Was this how you started your year? Did the start of this year bring with it grand promises how to modify your life for a better year?

Well it’s October now. It is very common for new years resolutions to have been lost and forgotten in the early months. By now, perhaps they’re a distant memory. Although new years resolutions are often made with utmost intent most are broken within the first two months. If you received one dollar for every new resolution you made and broke, how many dollars would you currently have?

Each new year brings the promise of hope and fresh beginnings. As a result we feel more motivated to improve our lives. However, as time proceeds old habits resurface and consequently resolutions are broken. One of the main reasons is the strength of the resolution. Suggesting to exercise daily may be unrealistic if no formal exercise has occurred in years. A more appropriate resolution would be something like “I will go for a walk once a week.” It is manageable and can be measured.

There is nothing wrong with having a goal. However, what needs to accompany a goal is a plan. This will assist in ensuring success. So with a couple of months left in the year, it is still possible to achieve or at the very least, to start what your heart desired.

Here are a few tips to help get your goals back on track.

1) Avoid Absolutes

This includes avoiding language such as “I will never…’ or “I will always…”. Conclusive, definitive language often leads to obsessive behaviours which are not sustainable. It is also very negative and encourages poor self-worth if the resolution is broken.

2) Be Realistic

If you want to change your eating habits and lose weight. Start with small, manageable changes. For example, include one more vegetable to your lunch. One positive step forward that is small enough to maintain will provide encouragement and motivation to continue. However, be mindful that lifestyles need greater than 3 weeks to be modified. It takes three weeks to form a habit but 6 months for it to form part of your personality.

3) Be Patient

In our culture we are used to instant gratification. If a resolution is broken more often than not it will be the death of that resolution. Acknowledge that old habits may re-arise, be patient and persist.

4) Be accountable

There is no point setting a resolution or goal if it is not going to be measured. This allows for monitoring but is also a means to re-assess the current resolution. It is also a means to document milestones. It is important to celebrate successes.

5) Seek Support

It is vital when embarking on a new challenge to seek assistance and support. This may be from a professional or loved one. Research suggests that encouragement from others leads to successful resolutions.

Posted on October 2, 2018

New Year Resolutions