“Every January throughout my thirties and early forties, I have decided that as the year begins, I will make drastic changes to my life in order to finally become the healthy, beautiful goddess I know I can be… but by February I am back in my loungewear manifesting the perfect body and mind from my sofa. Sure it’s a great time for new beginnings and hope for a new year, but why have I always failed?” Sarah Hall - Founder of Plus-Size Activewear Brand, Well Fit Active
The phrase "New Year, New Me" is a familiar mantra that resounds as January arrives, filled with hope, resolutions, and ambitious health and fitness goals. People set out to transform their lives and become the best version of themselves, but as February rolls around, the enthusiasm often begins to wane. Why do so many of us struggle to sustain our health goals and fitness regimes, eventually giving up on them so easily? In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and offer strategies to increase your chances of success.
Unrealistic Expectations
One of the primary reasons people fail to maintain their New Year's resolutions is setting unrealistic expectations. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a fresh start, and many individuals aim for drastic transformations within a short timeframe. These ambitious goals can lead to burnout and frustration when the initial progress is slower than anticipated. It's essential to set achievable, incremental targets that allow for gradual, sustainable change.
Lack of a Clear Plan
Another common pitfall is the absence of a well-defined plan. Many individuals have a vague idea of what they want to achieve but lack a structured approach to reach their goals. Without a clear roadmap, it's easy to become disoriented and lose motivation. Developing a detailed plan with specific actions, timelines, and milestones can help you stay on track.
Overwhelming Commitments
The start of a new year often coincides with a return to work or other commitments, making it challenging to find the time and energy for new health and fitness routines. Juggling a busy schedule can quickly lead to excuses and procrastination. To counter this, consider integrating smaller, manageable changes into your existing routine. Start with short workouts or incorporate healthier eating habits into your daily life, gradually building up to more significant changes as your schedule permits.
All-or-Nothing Mindset
Many individuals fall into the trap of the all-or-nothing mindset. They believe that if they can't adhere to their health and fitness resolutions perfectly, they might as well give up altogether. This black-and-white thinking can be detrimental. Instead, remember that progress is progress, no matter how small. Embrace the concept of "good enough" and acknowledge that consistency over time is more important than perfection.
Lack of Accountability and Support
Accountability and support play a vital role in achieving and sustaining health goals. If you keep your resolutions to yourself, it's easier to slip back into old habits without consequences. Share your goals with a friend or family member, or consider joining a fitness group or hiring a coach/personal trainer. Having a support system can motivate you to stay on track.
On a Personal Note: I'm taking a different approach in 2024
This past year has been a challenge for me and a lot of people around me. I have felt a lot of negative emotions; anger, frustration, disappointment, envy - that have clouded some of what could've been a positive time. Last January I was already in a routine of going to the gym and had been for a few months and just like always, I eventually found excuses not to go, I was too tired, I didn't have time, I needed to work etc.
The idea of setting resolutions for myself, knowing that I will no doubt give up on them in a few weeks, seems futile, so this year I'm taking a different approach. I have previously created vision boards for my business and work life but always seem to avoid setting intentions and visualising for my personal life. For 2024 and am going to create 2 vision boards, one for my office and one for my bedroom. Each will visualise where I want to be (realistically - i.e there won't be a mansion on a secluded Caribbean island) and a list of intentions and actions of how I am going to get there. This way I can check in with my progress every month and when I feel in a rut I will have an intention or task to action which will move me forward even if just slightly.
What are your goals for 2024? If you want a supportive community to keep you on track and support you all the way, join us over on Instagram @wellfitactive
