So here we are, almost six weeks into 2019! The time has already flown by since the scramble to make a ton of new years resolutions, all with the aim of putting off your old bad habits, and turning into a whole new version of yourself. Someone you’ve always dreamed of being, someone you wish you were a few years ago, someone you want to be when the clock strikes midnight in 2019 and 2020 gets ushered in.
If you’re like most people, you’ve not only already failed most resolutions, but you probably have also given up on even trying too. Partying less, working out more, eating better food and getting more sleep are among the top things that people want to try to do. Oddly enough, nobody actually likes any of those things. And let’s be real - its a lot easier to skip the gym, grab a McSandwich, and watch “just one more episode” of The Office.
So what is this dance, every December into January, that we all partake in every year. Where does the motivation and determination come from right after we’ve stuffed in the last Christmas cookie and new years drink, and suddenly want to change who we are and who we will be for the next twelve, er, one month?
A new year brings a sort of “mental reset” to every one of us. If you’re like me, and incredibly OCD, I like things to be done on very specific time tables and to be done COMPLETELY. There is nothing I despise more than an unfinished task or something not completed to the fullest - so being able to start fresh on January 1, for me as well as many others, brings a sense of opportunity again.
I can do this, we say. I can start fresh! I can do it EVERY day!
Well, we all know how that ends up. Pretty much every year. Here are five reasons why we usually fail, and why it isn’t too late to pick a couple of things and keep your resolutions alive until December.
We try too much.
Ever hear of KISS? Keep it simple stupid? For most people, the sheer tidal wave of 42 new resolutions is enough to set you up for an almost immediate failure. Pick two or three that are really, truly important to you, and work on them. You’ve got next year for more.
We try too hard.
January 2 at the gym is like mayhem, right? People that haven’t worked out in 8 months are now dead-lifting 250lbs and running a 5k at an 7 min/mile pace. Day one. Cool story bro. Good luck with that. Burnout is real. Take it slow, you’ve got all year to reach your goals, do it one step at a time!
We don’t know why.
Everyone wants to be a better version of themselves, and think they are going to be get there. But y tho? What is the reason for your resolution? Just jumping on the bandwagon, or do you have an actual purpose to it? Look at the two or three resolutions you’ve widdled down to and spend some time asking yourself why - and write it down.
We aim too high.
So you haven’t been on a treadmill since your last stress test, but THIS is the year you’re going to run a marathon. Right. Be realistic. How about a 5K in the spring? How about a weekly run with your friends? There are a million apps that get you off the couch and to a 5K, and none of them do it in 3 weeks. Set realistic expectations and achieve them. You’ll be surprised at the power of accomplishment to motivate you to do more.
We don’t let anyone hold us accountable.
Nothing kills a good resolution like a friend asking how well we’ve kept it, right? It’s March and you’re supposed to be gearing up for a 5K, but your menu has basically consisted of a revolving door of fast food and beer since January 15th. Find someone you trust. Tell them the two or three goals you really want to reach this year, and make them hold you accountable to them. And you can do the same for them. Nobody likes accountability, because it takes work, effort, and dedication. Funny, sounds like those same things that will help you actually achieve your goals.
So, whatever your goals are, if they are new years resolutions, business goals, travel goals, Remember, start small, be reasonable, have someone hold you accountable, and crush those goals. You will find the more you accomplish, the more you will accomplish. A viral video on the internet reminds us that if you want to change the world, start with making your bed. Simple, but powerful. Now, go re-evalutate your resolutions before its too far into the year and you don’t care any more, and make them happen!