New Year, New Habits: Why Resolutions Don't Work and What to Do Instead.
New Year's resolutions – we all make them, but how many of us actually follow through on them? If you're like most people, the answer is probably no. In fact, according to a study by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year's resolutions. So why do so many resolutions fail?
One reason is that many resolutions are too vague and lack a clear plan of action. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the new year and set big, lofty goals for ourselves, but without a clear plan of action, it's all too easy to fall back into our old habits. For example, aiming to "lose weight" or "get in shape" is a great goal, but without a specific plan of action, it's easy to get sidetracked or lose motivation.
Another reason that resolutions often fail is that they are often too ambitious and unrealistic. It's natural to want to make big, sweeping changes in our lives, but it's important to be realistic about what we can accomplish. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, which can ultimately lead to giving up on our resolutions altogether.
So what's the solution? Instead of focusing on grand, abstract resolutions, try focusing on small, specific habits. Rather than aiming to "lose weight," for example, try making a habit of going for a daily walk or cooking healthier meals at home. These small, specific habits can be easier to stick to and can eventually lead to bigger, long-term changes.
Another key to success is to be realistic and patient. Habits take time to form, so don't expect to see drastic changes overnight. Focus on making progress, not perfection, and be kind to yourself if you slip up – it's all part of the process.
It's also important to have a support system to help you stay on track. This could be a friend or family member who can hold you accountable or a professional coach or mentor who can offer guidance and support. Having someone to help you stay motivated and on track can make a big difference in your ability to stick to your habits and achieve your goals.
So this year, rather than making grand, unrealistic resolutions, try focusing on small, specific habits that will help you work towards your long-term goals. With a clear plan of action, a supportive network, and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to making lasting, positive changes in your life.
How to build healthy habits.
Building healthy habits can be challenging, but it's an important step towards living a happier, healthier life. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or overall quality of life, developing healthy habits is key.
So how can you build healthy habits that will actually stick this year?
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start small and be specific.
One of the keys to building healthy habits is to start small and be specific. Rather than trying to overhaul your entire life at once, focus on making small, achievable changes that you can stick to. For example, rather than resolving to "exercise more," try making a habit of going for a daily walk or doing a few minutes of stretching each morning. Small, specific habits are easier to stick to and can eventually lead to bigger, long-term changes.
Make it easy to succeed.
Another key to building healthy habits is to make it easy to succeed. This means setting yourself up for success by creating a supportive environment and removing any barriers or obstacles that might stand in your way. For example, if you're trying to build a habit of eating healthier, make sure you have healthy options available at home and at work so you don't have to rely on fast food or vending machines.
Keep track of your progress.
Monitoring your progress can be a powerful tool for building healthy habits. Whether you use a journal, an app, or just a simple checkmark on a calendar, tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and on track. It's also a great way to see the progress you're making and celebrate your successes along the way.
Find an accountability partner.
Having someone to hold you accountable can be a big help in building healthy habits. This could be a friend or family member who can provide support and encouragement, or a professional coach or mentor who can offer guidance and motivation. Having someone to keep you accountable can help you stay on track and stay motivated even when things get tough.
Don't be too hard on yourself.
Building healthy habits takes time and effort, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards your goals. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results – keep pushing forward, and eventually you'll start to see the progress you're striving for. And remember, it's okay to slip up or have an off day – it's all part of the process.
Find ways to make healthy habits enjoyable.
Building healthy habits is more likely to stick if you find ways to make them enjoyable. This could mean finding a workout buddy to keep you motivated, listening to music while you exercise, or finding a form of exercise you genuinely enjoy. Similarly, finding ways to make healthy eating enjoyable – such as trying new recipes or incorporating your favourite healthy foods – can help you stick to your healthy eating habits.
Stay flexible.
Finally, it's important to stay flexible and open to change as you build healthy habits. Life is unpredictable, and it's natural for your priorities and goals to shift over time. Be open to adapting your habits as your needs and circumstances change, and remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards your goals.
Remember, change takes time, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards your goals. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results – keep pushing forward, and eventually you'll start to see the progress you're striving for. With a little perseverance and dedication, you can turn your resolutions into lasting habits and make real, meaningful changes in your life.
