6 Reasons Why Your New Year Resolutions Will Fail
No need for an intro, we've all been there before, so let's get started:
1- You've Set Unrealistic Goals
According to a study published on PubMed, 'Adherence to an exercise prescription scheme: the role of expectations, self-efficacy, stage of change and psychological well-being.', it is imperative you set the resolutions just above what's attainable, so that you can achieve your goals with some level of pushing.
2- You Forgot That It Is Hard Work
At the end of the year, we become so optimistic and set goals that we know need hard work to achieve. When the time comes to execute, that optimism is not there anymore to push us through. This results in going back to our old habits.
3- That List Is Too Long Dude
Have you heard of the dilution effect? The longer your list of resolutions is, the less chance you have of completing any of the tasks on the list. Make short term plans, even weekly if possible. Achieving goals should be sprints and not marathons. This is why I prefer planning throughout the year over end-of-year resolutions.(html comment removed: more)
4- You've Set Generic Goals
How many of us dot down 'Lose Weight' as a goal we want to achieve? You will achieve more by changing that to something like: 'Lose 250 grams a week for 12 weeks by exercising in the morning and eating no sugar'.
5- You Are the Lone Ranger
Even the Lone Ranger never went at it alone; he had Tonto on his side. Have you ever wondered why most if not all superheroes have sidekicks. I mean these are guys with superpowers right? Involve anybody and everybody you can. Update them on your progress; social media is a good way of doing it. Just don't post pics of your naked behind; no one really likes that :(.
6- You Don't Truly Know Why You Make Resolutions Every Year
Are you just following the trend? Are you trying to make yourself feel better for what you didn't achieve the previous year? Find out the reason behind your resolutions. Ask ' the why question'. I would recommend you read: 'Why We Make Resolutions (and Why They Fail), by Maria Konnikova.
If you feel you have committed some of the above atrocities, repent now or forever burn in....
OK that's a little bit over the top. If you have made resolutions for 2018, it is all positive. Just remember that you need to do the hard work now. Go back to the drawing board if you feel this blog post speaks to you. Here is a tool by @micheletrainer from 2016 that may help you organize your goals and help you achieve them:
YOUR PERSONAL HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INVENTORY – 2016 AND BEYOND
Let us know about your resolutions and how you plan to succeed. Leave us a comment below.