New Year Resolutions

Every one has them, but most do not accomplish them. Why is it? Every year thousands of people make new resolutions and I’m willing to bet that the most popular is to get in shape or lose weight. That’s the reason most gyms’ membership count jumps every January and parking is terrible during January and February. After Valentines, parking starts getting easier and that’s about the same time when people start jumping off the ‘resolutions’ wagon. It happens to everyone and it definitely happens to me.

This year is a big year for me. I got my wedding and my 30th birthday and I also wanted to be the year that I stick and complete my resolutions. So I went online and did some research on why people do not accomplish their resolutions and what I can do to be successful at it. I found out that the most popular 2 reasons for people dropping their resolutions are:

1. The Goal is not specific enough. For example, “I want to loose weight” or “I want to get in shape.” There is no way of breaking that down or knowing how much progress you have done or more importantly when are you done. A better goal would be to “lower my body fat to 15% by the end of the year.” In which case you have number to reach and a deadline. Depending on your current percentage you can plan accordingly.
2. The Goal is not realistic. For example, “I want to look like a magazine model.” Achieving major and healthy remodeling of your body needs time, persistence, and most of the time changing your lifestyle. Achieving all three takes some trial and error, so don’t expect to get there in a couple of months.