"Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to BE yourself!" - unknown
Did you make a New Year resolution? Did you get started...?
As the New Year gets underway, many of us will have set resolutions for a better future. A common theme among such resolutions is a desire to improve fitness, lose weight, or quit a bad habit, such as drinking too much or smoking.
However, studies show that only a small percentage of people actually stick to their resolutions throughout the year. In this blog, we will explore the statistical likelihood of sticking to a new year resolution and delve into why a gradual focus on health is a more sustainable approach compared to quick fitness fixes.
The Harsh Reality of New Year's Resolutions
While making resolutions may seem like a promising start, the odds of successfully achieving them are often discouraging.
Researchers suggest that only 8% of people that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. But why is it so difficult to stick to our goals?
The Pitfall of Quick Fitness Fixes
One common mistake many of us make when setting new year resolutions is approaching them with a "quick-fix" mentality. We expect immediate and tangible results, often targeting fitness goals alone without considering the broader spectrum of health. However, this approach tends to neglect the underlying factors essential for long-term success.
The Power of Gradual Health Focus
In contrast to quick fitness fixes, a gradual focus on overall health provides a more sustainable approach to achieving resolutions and maintaining positive change. Here's why:
1. Building Long-Term Habits
Achieving lasting change requires the development of new healthy habits. By directing our attention to improving various aspects of our health, such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, mental and emotional well-being, we have a greater chance of building a solid foundation of sustainable habits.
2. Avoiding Burnout
Quick fitness fixes often involve intense workouts and strict diets that can be overwhelming for both body and mind. Gradual health focus, on the other hand, allows for a more balanced approach. It encourages small, manageable steps that reduce the risk of burnout and increase the likelihood of long-term success.
3. Addressing the Underlying Causes
A holistic approach to health emphasises addressing the root causes of our wellness challenges rather than solely focusing on their symptoms. This allows us to overcome barriers such as emotional eating, stress-related behaviors, or unhealthy lifestyle patterns that may hinder our progress.
4. Cultivating a Mindset and Emotional Shift
When we set resolutions centred around health, it's important to shift our mindset from short-term results to long-term well-being, and to address any emotions that may be sneakily blocking our progress. A gradual health focus promotes self-compassion, patience, and consistency, enabling us to develop a more positive relationship with our minds, emotions and bodies and our overall wellness journey.
While the allure of quick fitness fixes may be tempting, the statistical reality of sticking to new year resolutions suggests that a gradual focus on health is a better approach. By embracing holistic habits, tackling underlying causes, and cultivating a long-term mindset, we increase our chances of achieving sustainable change.
So, this year, let's abandon the pursuit of instant results and embark on a journey of gradual health improvement that will truly transform our lives for the better.
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