Forget Resolutions: Build Habits That Actually Stick
As we approach a New Year (I’m shocked typing this!), many people make New Years resolutions. Research shows that most New Year’s resolutions are abandoned within weeks. In fact, about 80% of resolutions fail by February. Losing weight, getting healthier and going to the gym everyday is a New Years resolution that I hear very often. While this is all well- intentioned, doing too much too quickly can often be setting yourself up for failure. Going from 0 to 100 never did anyone any good- for the long term at least!
So instead of setting New Years resolutions this year I challenge you to work on building small habits instead!
Why do New Year’s resolutions often fail?
Like I said before, we do too much too fast. We’re people after all! We get overwhelmed and then stop doing it all together. Most people don’t understand that 1 day a week is better than going all out for a couple of months and then quitting all together. Imagine never going to the gym then going 5x a week and doing that for the rest of your life. That’s not easy for the majority of people and we all have to start somewhere. Be patient and consistent even if it’s 1x a week for the next couple of months till you can build up to 2x a week.
When we restrict, our inner child is like whoa- no I want pizza right now! Instead of restricting, try adding instead. Example: instead of saying/doing “I am going to cut out all sugar!” Try adding in a handful of fruits 2x a week at breakfast.
Here are some examples of building small habits BUT I encourage you to think about what you really want to work on and try starting small first, then building your way up. Again, start with just ONE of these habits (or one you came up with on your own!) and get that habit down. Once it’s completely down and thats just something you do every day, then try another one.
Add a palm full of veggies for lunch everyday.
Add 1 extra glass of water everyday.
Go to bed 10 minutes earlier than you normally do everyday.
Right when you get up, spend 5 minutes stretching every day.
I encourage you to start this TODAY, to track your progress and be proud of yourself! :)