If you’re someone who sets New Year’s resolutions but never sticks to them, you’re not alone. An estimated 80% of people tend to give up on their goals by February, so it seems to be a pretty common problem. So, why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? This is usually down to how you go about setting them and going after them.
1. You set the bar way too high.
We all dream of that six-pack by summer, but daily gym marathons? Recipe for burnout. Start small! Three workouts a week, then add one when you feel ready. Small, consistent steps conquer mountains, not epic leaps. Plus, celebrating each climb keeps you pumped for the next peak. Remember, it’s not just about hitting the gym; it’s about building a sustainable habit. Don’t forget to mix things up and make your workouts enjoyable. Maybe try a variety of activities, from hiking to yoga or even a friendly game of basketball. The key is to find something you genuinely enjoy, so exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. Keep in mind that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. You don’t make it fun.
Let’s face it, kale alone won’t make your resolution stick. Spice things up! Swap that boring salad for a veggie fiesta with your favorite spices. Replace the dreaded jog with a dance class that makes you wanna salsa the sidewalks. Fun fuels your goals, not the other way around. Remember, it’s essential to enjoy the process and not just focus on the end result. Find healthy foods and exercises that genuinely excite you. Experiment with new recipes and workouts to keep things fresh and exciting. When you look forward to your daily activities, sticking to your resolution becomes a breeze. So, turn on your favorite tunes, dance your heart out, and make your journey towards your goals an enjoyable adventure.
3. You’re carrying around limiting beliefs.
It makes sense that you struggle to keep up with any kind of resolutions or goals when you have limiting beliefs telling you that you’ll never succeed, you’re not good enough, etc. Unless you have faith in your ability to stick to your own plans, you’ll never get there. Our sister site, Sweetn, helps you rewrite your own narrative and use the power of your mind to change your (love) life in incredible ways in just a few weeks. Check them out here.
4. Your visions are way too vague.
“Be healthier” sounds great, but it’s a map with no compass. Get specific! Instead, set bite-sized targets like “drink 8 glasses of water a day” or “whip up three new plant-based meals a week.” These mini-checkpoints make progress feel real and keep you on track, one delicious smoothie at a time. Specific goals give you a clear direction and make it easier to measure your progress. Break down your resolution into smaller, achievable steps. Create a weekly meal plan, set aside time for meal prep, and experiment with new recipes regularly. By setting clear, bite-sized targets, you’ll be able to track your success and adjust your approach as needed. It’s all about taking one small, manageable step at a time, making the journey to a healthier lifestyle much more manageable.
5. You give up at the smallest hurdle.
Life throws curveballs, and your resolutions aren’t immune. Missed a workout? Big whoop! Lace up tomorrow. Indulged in an extra scoop of ice cream? Don’t sweat it. Balance it out with a veggie-packed breakfast. Hiccups don’t define the hike, they’re just pebbles on the path. Forgive yourself, learn from the stumble, and keep climbing – the summit awaits! Remember that nobody’s perfect, and setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Instead of dwelling on your slip-ups, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze what triggered the hiccup and how you can avoid it in the future. Remember, each day is a new chance to get back on track and work towards your goals. Be kind to yourself, stay persistent, and you’ll reach the summit of your resolutions in no time.
6. You overthink and overplan.
There’s nothing more unproductive than getting stuck in that never-ending planning phase. It’s awesome to have a plan, but sometimes we overthink every detail and create elaborate resolutions that lead to paralysis by analysis. Keep it straightforward and doable. Don’t spend so much time planning that you never actually begin. Just take that first step, and you’ll figure things out as you go. Things are likely going to change as you move forward, so take it step by step.
7. You don’t look after yourself.
Pursuing a resolution can become all-consuming, and often we forget about self-care. Remember that self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental health. Make sure you rest when needed, get enough sleep, and take breaks to recharge. A burned-out resolution-maker is unlikely to succeed. Don’t become so fixated on the end result that you drive yourself into the ground in the process. That’s not going to help at all.
8. You get caught in the comparison trap.
Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Seeing other people’s seemingly perfect progress can leave you feeling inadequate and discouraged, and you might want to give up now rather than fail down the road. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what you see online may not reflect the full picture. Focus on your progress and your goals, not someone else’s highlight reel.
9. You’re impatient.
These days, everyone is seeking instant gratification and when they don’t get it, they figure the effort isn’t worth it. Obviously, a lot of resolutions often require time and patience. If you expect immediate results, you may get frustrated and give up prematurely. Trust the process and stay committed. Celebrate small wins along the way, and remember that lasting change takes time. You didn’t develop bad habits or end up in a particular lifestyle overnight, so you’re not going to be able to undo it that quickly, either.
10. You have an all-or-nothing mindset.
Some people believe that if they can’t stick to their resolution perfectly, there’s no point in trying at all. This black-and-white thinking can be a major roadblock. Remember that it’s okay to have slip-ups; they don’t negate all your progress. Instead of seeing a setback as a failure, see it as a chance to learn and improve your approach. Keep moving forward, even if it’s one step at a time. Life is a bit more nuanced and less absolute than “succeed or fail.” There are some in-between places that you’re likely to spend time in as you work on your goals. Accept and embrace them — they’re not so bad.
11. You go for it solo.
We’re social creatures, and support is kryptonite to resolution kryptonite! Share your goals with your squad. They’ll cheer you on during sunny days and hold you accountable when clouds roll in. Plus, a shared goal with a buddy doubles the fun and fuels friendly competition – who can plank the longest, win-win! Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends and family for support. Share your progress and setbacks with them. They can offer encouragement, provide helpful tips, and even join you in your resolution journey. Having someone to share the ups and downs with can make the whole experience more enjoyable and motivating. Together, you can celebrate victories and lift each other up during challenging times.
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