Ditch the New Years Resolution and What to do Instead

Health. Exercise. Nutrition. Money. Why do our New Year's Resolutions usually crash and burn within the first few months of the New Year?

We think too big and set unrealistic goals instead of breaking down the steps it takes to reach those goals. Did you know that the most common New Year's Resolution is health-related? Did you also know almost 80% of resolutions fail within the first 3 months? Now, why would we take such an important thing as our health and just give up on it?

Stop making “resolutions” when in reality it’s more of a “wish list”. For example, your “wish” is to eat healthier, exercise more and lose 50lbs during this New Year. But did you ask yourself what you are actually going to do to make this come true? Did you look into what it even takes to lose 50lbs?

In reality, resolutions don’t work because they do not set goals that require a plan of action. If your ultimate wish is to be healthier this coming year, learn to set S.M.A.R.T. goals, which stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. When it comes to eating healthier and exercising more, this could look like committing a day and time to meal prep each week to ensure you have healthy dishes already prepared for a busy work week. Instead of saying you're going to go to the gym every day, which, let's be honest, is highly unlikely, pick specific days that you have a little less going on and schedule yourself to go. Both these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. If you continue to do this on a weekly basis, eventually these SMART goals turn into habits and creating new habits is really the first step to that healthier lifestyle you’re seeking.

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen” - John Wooden.