New Years Resolutions: Don't Set Yourself Up For Failure
The new year is upon us and many of us will be making resolutions to improve ourselves. While self improvement is always a good thing to ponder, you might want to take some time to remember previous years and how successful you were in meeting your goals. Statistics show most people don't do so well. Hey, I'm the first to admit I've been horrible at my resolutions. But instead of just throwing in the towel, let's look at the reasons we aren't sticking to our goals. By understanding how to set proper goals, maybe you and I can both reach some significant self improvement goals in 2014.
Do A Reality Check
The number one New Years Resolution for 2014 is to lose weight, number 5 is to stay fit and healthy. 45% of Americans make a New Years resolution however only about 8% of those will have any success. The reason more people are not more successful is because they make unrealistic resolutions. Maybe you want to lose 65 pounds. Instead of focusing on such a longterm goal, how about setting your first goal at 10 pounds? That is much more realistic and actually attainable in the first few months of 2014. After you meet that goal then you’ll be more likely to continue with the healthy habits you’ve picked up and keep working toward that greater loss.
Baby Steps
Keep your resolutions small and attainable so that you can actually attain some success. The feeling of pride for reaching that 10-pound weight loss is much better than not reaching any goal at all. A great suggestion that you might try is one small goal for each month. Starting with January set an attainable goal. At the end of the month reward yourself and then set one for February and so on. This will also keep you focused for the whole year as far as your resolutions. Most people forget about them by mid February! Make 2014 different and Nudge yourself all year!
Doubters Never Win
Another reason we all fail at keeping our resolutions is that we don’t equip ourselves with the mental power to fight off doubt. We make these grandiose goals that don’t fit into our usual lives and routines. For example saying “I’m going to run everyday this week" might not fit your schedule. If you've got work, chores, errands, family, ect. then trying to find the time to run everyday might be unrealistic. If you miss a day or two or three because life is getting in the way then doubt starts to creep in. Eventually you don't run at all because you doubt your ability to reach your goal. This goes back to setting goals that are attainable. Running twice a week might be all that you can achieve so let that be enough and make those two runs count! Don’t set yourself up to let doubt win!
The Fear Factor
Using guilt or fear as motivation to quit doing something is never a good idea. Many of us make resolutions that we are never ever going to smoke again, eat sugar or sweets ever again or drink alcohol again. Those are things that are very hard to just down right QUIT doing. Cutting back on the other hand makes much more sense. If it’s smoking you’re trying to quit then consult your doctor. There is much more going on than just the habit of lighting up for most people. Your body has become addicted to those chemicals and fighting it on your own can be hard. Sugar and alcohol, much like nicotine goes much deeper than just what you are consuming. For many of us there is a social aspect to eating and drinking as well as smoking. You have to make some long lasting lifestyle changes to be successful at quitting. Cutting back can eventually lead to quitting. Limit your smoking to a certain amount that is less that what you currently do. Limit your intake of sweets to once or twice a week and do the same with alcohol. Give yourself times of the week when you will indulge or limit it to special occasions. Cutting these things out cold turkey will just set you up to fail and then you will have made no progress what so ever.
I think what we can take away from this is that we all need to make changes to be healthier in 2014 but make those changes small and long lasting. Set yourself up to succeed and be a better you.
Nudge measures how healthy you're living with a single health score, the Nudge Factor. Now syncing with your favorite health apps, Nudge is your healthy lifestyle in one place, with one health score. If you'd like to learn more about how to engage your audience and get more brand advocates, contact Nudge.