New Year's Resolutions Are Crap -- And Here's Why
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Health and Wellness

New Year's Resolutions Are Crap -- And Here's Why

But here's how to make sure that you can set non-crappy ones.

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New Year's Resolutions Are Crap -- And Here's Why
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New year, new me, right? New Year's resolutions have been a ~thing~ for a really long time. It's just a tradition. What better time to start new habits than at the beginning of a new year? There's totally nothing wrong with New Year's resolutions. They can be the best goals you'll ever set. But you have to do it correctly.

A lot of people end up following their resolutions for about a month but fall off the wagon mid-February. Why is that? Well, for one, they're setting resolutions that they don't believe in. Society has a few generalized New Year's resolutions for anyone to choose from: "lose x amount of weight", "read more", "drink more water", "start x y or z". But if you don't really want to do these, then you probably won't follow through.

Sure, you might want to lose weight. But do you want to go to the gym every day? Probably not. Do you want to cut out carbs or sugar? Probably not. If you do, more power to you. But if you're like most of us, then you want the end result and not the journey to get there.

Therein lies the problem. This year, I challenge you to set resolutions that you really believe in, rather than what society wants. Are you happy at your current weight? Then don't set an empty resolution just because that's "what you're supposed to do". Spoiler alert: It won't stick. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

You probably want to be healthier, sure. If that's true, set a "journey goal", rather than a simple resolution. Instead of saying "I'm going to lose x pounds", don't set a number. Just decide how you want to do it, and stick to that. For example, "go to the gym once a week" if you're not going to the gym at all. Start small. Or "drink one less soda per week" if you're drowning yourself in Dr. Pepper. These kinds of resolutions are so much easier to stick to.

This year, be the version of yourself that you want to be. I want to see you succeed! Let's all start a journey together this year and come out in a better place on the other side.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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