4 out of 5 New Year's resolutions will already meet with failure by the second week of February, according to author and clinical psychologist Joseph J. Luciani, PhD. Dr. Luciani's basic explanation for why these efforts often do not succeed is that the mind is not prepared for the stresses of change.
Beyond the basic challenge of mental readiness for change, succeeding with your health and fitness goals for 2018 can also occur more easily if you avoid common mistakes.
4 Mistakes People Make with Their New Year's Resolutions
Here are 4 typical errors that people make when trying to achieve New Year’s resolutions:
1. Negativity as a motivator
Although we live in a society that increasingly prioritizes sensitivity, we often are not sensitive toward ourselves. That is key to remember because "fat shaming" is correlated with weight gain rather than weight loss. In other words, stop any bullying self-talk if you want to lose weight or accomplish other goals.
2. Disorganization
One way that people will fail in their efforts during the new year is that they will be disorganized and will not record their journeys. Be different: monitor and track yourself consistently if you want to move toward your goal. Digitally or on paper, choose a tracking method that works for you.
3. The wrong social connections
Being around the right people, people who want to improve themselves and will validate your intentions can aid success. If you have fitness goals for the new year, get yourself in the company of people who care about fitness. A simple step to take in 2018 would be to join a gym, yoga studio, or hiking group.
4. Lack of resilience
Practical advice blogger Henrik Edberg notes that he only succeeded in launching a three-day-a-week exercise schedule on his fourth or fifth attempt. Be aware that temporary failure along the way should be expected before you fully establish your habits and routines for the new year.
Achieving a better, healthier you
Do you have a New Year’s resolution of getting into shape? At Envista Medical, we believe in helping you develop healthy habits so that you can lose weight quickly and keep it off for good. See our proven weight loss plan.