Hi there, friends!
As the old year folds into the new, many of us are awash with the sparkly optimism of New Year’s resolutions. We draw up grand plans and strive to overhaul our lives overnight. However, these good intentions often stumble and fade as the days go by. Today, let's unpack why these well-meant resolutions rarely pan out and how we can make them stick.
It’s an enticing prospect, isn't it?
As the last strains of "Auld Lang Syne" fade and the fireworks sputter out, we feel invigorated to hit the reset button. After all, habits, according to research, take an average of 66 days to form. Perfect timing, one might think, to kickstart healthier habits just as the festive frenzy winds down.
But here’s where the plot twists.
Our brains and nervous systems, after three months of holiday hubbub – the relentless schedule, family commitments, cooking marathons, copious meals, stress, shopping, spending, work pressures – are not exactly primed to jump into habit-formation mode. They crave respite, not another marathon.
So how do we ensure our New Year's resolutions actually stick? Well, it starts by answering a crucial question: Why do you want to pursue this change? What is the core motivation behind your resolution? Is it to be healthier? Stronger? Smarter? Your why will help keep you disciplined when you've run out of will power.
Once we've figured out our 'why,' we can begin to carve out a realistic, attainable path to reach our goals.
The essence of sustainable New Year's resolutions lies not in lofty, quick-fix schemes but in modest, manageable lifestyle changes.
Think of your resolution as a grand mansion. You wouldn’t start building from the roof, would you? No, you begin with the foundation.
So, consider the first 66 days as phase 1 of your project. Choose one element of your larger goal that aligns with your current reality.
Maybe you want to start exercising.... Rather than promising to hit the gym for an hour every day, begin with a 15-minute walk. If healthy eating is your goal, start by adding one extra serving of vegetables to your daily meals. In these initial days, focus on consistency over intensity. By starting small, we can also set ourselves up for success by habit stacking - stacking the new habit you want to form with one you already do. i.e. right after lunch you can go for your 15-minute walk or right after you brush your teeth in the morning you can go straight to the kitchen to prep your morning smoothie. One stacking on the other.
At the end of 66 days, you’ll have constructed a sturdy foundation. A habit, hardwired into your daily routine, that you can now build upon. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day; it was built brick by brick, steadily and surely.
This New Year, let’s switch up the resolution game. Let's focus on slow, sustainable growth rather than dramatic transformations. Let's be kind to our brain and nervous system and grant them the space to adapt to changes organically. And most importantly, let's remember that the real magic of New Year's resolutions lies not in the act of setting them but in the journey of bringing them to life.
After all, the New Year is not about a sudden metamorphosis. It's about turning the page and writing a new chapter, one day at a time. Happy New Year, dear readers! Let's make it a year of small, sustainable victories. After all, isn't that what real progress is all about?
If this is something you'd like guidance on to make sure you reach your health goals, book a call with our team.
In Health & Wellness,
