The effectiveness of New Year’s resolutions varies significantly from person to person, and it depends on how the resolutions are framed, pursued, and maintained. Research suggests that most people struggle to follow through with their resolutions, but there are several factors that can influence whether they work or not! In our gym we have seen a direct correlation of success with some of these tips, take a look!
Reasons why New Year’s Resolutions often don’t work:
- Unrealistic Expectations: Many resolutions are overly ambitious or vague. For example, saying “I will get in shape” is too broad and doesn’t offer a concrete plan. Without a clear, actionable goal, people are more likely to fail. It’s very likely that plan to change your WHOLE life will fail.
- Lack of Commitment: Resolutions made around New Year’s can be driven by external pressure or fleeting motivation. It’s easy to abandon them once the initial excitement fades.
- All-or-Nothing Mindset: When people don’t see immediate results, they can get discouraged and give up completely. A common example is someone setting a goal to lose weight and then indulging in a single cheat meal, which leads them to feel like they’ve failed, rather than adjusting their approach to a 90/10% goal.
- Poor Planning: While the intention might be there, many people don’t create a roadmap to achieve their goals. Resolutions like “exercise more” need specific plans, such as “I’ll work out for 30 minutes, three times a week.” Without these steps, it is hard to succeed.
Reasons why New Year’s Resolutions can work:
- Fresh Start Effect: New Year’s marks a symbolic “clean slate,” which can boost motivation and confidence. This sense of a fresh start can create momentum, making it easier to work on new goals!
- Clear Goals with a Plan: If resolutions are specific, measurable, and broken down into smaller, manageable steps (e.g., “I will read 30 minutes every day” instead of “I will read more”), they have a better chance of success!
- Intrinsic Motivation: If the resolution aligns with your personal values and long-term aspirations, you’re more likely to stay committed. For example, someone might resolve to get fit for health reasons, not just appearance, which gives the goal more staying power!
- Support Systems: Having a support system (whether friends, family, or a gym) can help people stay accountable and motivated. Some people do better when they share their goals with others or join groups that have similar resolutions. This is one of the hallmarks of our gym, we do these things together!
- Progress Over Perfection: Successful resolution-makers often adopt a growth mindset. They recognize setbacks as part of the process and make adjustments rather than quitting altogether. This makes the goal more sustainable in the long run.
Key Factors for Success:
- Specificity and Planning: Set clear, achievable goals with specific action steps. Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria to create a framework for success.
- Small, Incremental Steps: Break larger goals into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Accountability: Share your resolutions with others and track your progress.
- Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your approach if necessary, and don’t let small setbacks derail you.
- Focus on Long-Term Habits: Resolutions that build into sustainable habits (like eating healthy or exercising) are more likely to succeed than those aiming for short-term changes.
While New Year’s resolutions can work, their success depends on the intention, planning, and persistence behind them. Rather than relying solely on the new year’s momentum, focusing on creating lasting, realistic changes is a more reliable path to success. Changing your habits will create more long term change than a fad. At our gym we see that January is normally a time of refocusing instead of totally changing!
Let’s make this thing happen together – if you need help just email me at [email protected]
