We all know the expression, “New Year, New You!” used mainly by gyms and weight-loss supplements for sales. While this slogan sounds appealing to most, we all know deep down that completely reinventing yourself and altering your whole appearance in the next month is not likely to happen when you carry unrealistic expectations. Every year (and I am completely guilty of this too), we vow to “lose 15 pounds” or “eat zero processed foods” in hopes to completely turn our lifestyle around, and every year this lasts a couple weeks until we give up and slump back into our regular routine and feel bad about everything.
Instead of making empty promises to yourself, try instead setting realistic goals for yourself to take baby steps towards your greater goal. I have learned that if you set smaller goals for yourself, you are more likely to keep on track and be more successful in your long-term goal.
Here are some ways to change generic resolutions into real resolutions:
Common Resolution: Lose [insert absurd number here] pounds
Realistic Solution: Find a routine exercise you love that will motivate you to move
One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight. This comes at the convenient time when many people have probably gained a few pounds over the holidays from all the cookies and alcohol, and everyone is dying to shed this extra weight and then some. Simply “losing weight” is not a helpful goal in the long run. Try instead to make it your goal to switch up your workout routine. Try finding different exercises or classes that you love that will make working out fun. Chances are if you find a consistent exercise routine that works for you, the rest will follow.
Common Resolution: Eat healthy / no processed foods / no sugar / go vegan
Realistic Solution: Find healthier alternatives / take baby steps
Another popular resolution to go along with weight loss is to reinvent one’s eating habits. If you really want to completely change the way you eat, the adjustment is going to take time. Extreme diets are usually ineffective because people cut out so many things at once that it becomes too difficult to maintain and your body doesn’t have sufficient time to adjust. Instead of cutting out all processed foods, try something smaller at first. Try limiting the amount of processed foods you eat. If you love potato chips as a snack, try finding a healthier alternative. Instead of eliminating carbs completely from your diet, try giving yourself smaller portions and eating them in moderation instead of every meal. Setting realistic food alternations for yourself will help in the long run, and you can then adjust these goals gradually if you want to reach complete paleo or vegan - but I suggest baby steps.
Common Resolution: Save / make more money
Realistic Solution: Get helpful apps and write things down!
Everyone likes the idea of making more money and swearing to be more frugal next year. This again is a broad resolution without any set game plan. You can have this idea in mind, but try finding specific ways in which to make this possible. Do some research on money saving apps like Acorns, or try keeping a spending log. I find that writing transactions down instead of mindlessly swiping a card is a helpful way to keep track of your financial stability. You can also set a monthly or even weekly budget for yourself!
These are just a few examples, but you get the idea. Baby steps toward a greater goal will make your broad resolutions reachable, and it’s a surefire way to feel better about yourself in the New Year!
Good luck, and Happy New Year!
