Do New Year’s Resolutions work?

It’s the start of a new year, and that usually brings about a renewed motivation to do things you’d been putting off for a while. These usually come in the form of New Year’s Resolutions - a series of goals you set out to achieve by the end of the year.

For so many, health and fitness is at the top of the list when it comes to setting these resolutions. Some may talk of weight loss, maintaining a healthier diet, or just working out on the regular. If these are your personal goals - awesome! I hope you will succeed!

The reality is, the majority of folks who set these resolutions end up reverting back to old habits well before they really get started. This is so common, they’ve actually created one of those unofficial holidays to commemorate the day that most will give up on their new year objectives! This date is known as National Ditch Your Resolution Day, and it is observed on January 17th. (This year, it actually coincides with Blue Monday - the most depressing day of the year).

So, if we know we’re more than likely to fail at shooting for a few goals and behaviour changes, why bother trying?

While I don’t think there is anything inherently wrong with setting ambitious goals, the problem I have with making New Year’s Resolutions is that they usually aren’t made with any real consideration for what is involved. Goal setting isn’t as simple as saying I want to _____ and then having it magically happen. Trust me. I’ve tried. It has never been successful.

Goal setting actually involves a lot of thought and planning. You have to look at the overall goal and break down the steps to getting there. Each of these steps should become progressively more challenging or get you closer to the goal. 

It’s a slow process at times, so patience is vital. And it’s for this reason that so many lose interest by January 17th! We’re living in a society of instant gratification. This means, when we don’t see our anticipated results in the first few days or weeks, the excitement of reaching for the stars loses its sparkle and we give up.

But not everyone gives up.

So, if setting resolutions at the start of a new year is what gives you a little extra pep in your step, or pushes you to take stock and assess where you’re at vs. where you want to be - power to ya! I set goals, and alter them all the time. This is why setting new ones at the stroke of midnight is no longer on the top of my list of priorities. But I do love the excitement of what’s in store!

Whether you are on Team Resolution or not, I hope you have an amazing year ahead!