Lifestyle

Why New Year’s resolutions don't work

Year after year, do you set yourself ambitious resolutions but never manage to stick to them? We'll explain to you why — and how you can finally change it.

How many times have you made New Year's resolutions only to break those minutes, hours, days, or a few weeks later? If you answer this question with “every year,” you're one of the estimated 80% of people who give up on their goals year after year and feel guilty and weak as a result. But why don't resolutions seem to work?

1. They are too inflexible

“Resolution” is defined by the Duden as a “firm intention” or as a “firm decision.” That sounds pretty strict at first. But let's have a look at the English translation: Resolution. This word contains “solution”, in German “solution.” Instead of seeing a resolution as an unwritten rule, we should focus on finding solutions to situations that we want to change. To find our New Year's solutions, we need to be flexible. If you feel you're not on track, rethink your method and adjust your goals so that they're achievable and more realistic. After all, it is your personal resolution.

2. It depends on the size

Be humble when it comes to your resolutions. It's good if you have big plans, but the more ambitious your resolution, the less likely you are to stick to it. The advice to take “small steps” also applies to New Year's resolutions. Figuratively speaking, if your resolution is too big, you have more room to fail.

3. Don't be too hard on yourself

Health, finances, family — your resolutions this year are probably the same as last year... and the years before that. At the start of the year, most of us decide to eat healthier, exercise more, or save money. These are difficult goals to achieve at any time of the year, but especially around Christmas time. This creates a vicious circle: You don't keep your resolutions, feel guilty and feel even worse than before. Do you have the feeling that you have failed? Just try again, no matter what month it is. Don't allow feelings of guilt, because they only have a demotivating effect.

4. 4. Long-term changes instead of short-term goals

Most people decide to live healthier for the new year — we think that's great. Eat healthier, exercise more, stop smoking, live more consciously... these are all things that make our lives better. And that's exactly what it's about: all of these elements should be part of our lifestyle, rather than just short-term goals that we want to achieve because a new year has begun. Are you struggling to make exercise an integral part of your fitness routine? personal trainer We can help you with that. If you have friends or family who you know would also like to do something for their fitness, then suggest a membership for them. Working out together motivates and makes it easier to achieve fitness goals.