It’s time..let’s get rid if this idea of a New Years Resolution. Studies show that they don’t work. People don’t stick to them in large numbers. In fact, you have or probably are a statistic (don’t feel bad..i am too). 92% of us don’t keep our New Year’s Resolution.
But as I’ve been battling what feels like a massive rut brought on by the challenges of life..ie..kids, work, and everything else. I immediately started thinking.
I’ll wait till the new year to start that.
Then I realized: these are all the things that make it “hard” to stay or get healthy. They are also, not so coincidentally, also the things that cause our New Years resolutions (and goal setting in general) to fail.
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If you do any amount of blog reading, you MIGHT have come across people like Pavement Runner who are doing great things. They are setting goals and achieving! And they are doing it smartly. Last month, he resolved to run 200 miles and as crazy as that might sound to some, he did it! Think about it…
He made his resolution..it only lasted a month. Then he completed it! He was successful.
So I started thinking…what if we do away completely with New Years resolutions? (I’m preaching to the choir for many). Instead….resolve to make a change this month.
So for October…I’m going to resolve to find my mojo again. I’m going to enable myself to do so. I’m going to…*gulp* workout in the morning.
This is going to be tough for me. But I’m realizing lately that if I have ANY hope of staying fit, this is one resolution I can’t wait till New Years to do.
So I’m putting it out there to all of you to help me be accountable. HELP ME! ENCOURAGE ME! I’M BEGGING YOU!
I’m also asking you…
what will you resolve to do this month? It can be anything that makes you better. Let’s hear it!
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I’ve always been kind of “anti-NYR” because I feel like if you want to change something you should change it NOW and not wait.
I guess for me I want to work on my strength and flexibility. After the marathon this coming Sunday I will have more time to focus on getting to the gym to lift weights more and do more pilates and yoga. My body is ready to get stronger and take a break from constant focus on running.
awesome post! i’ve always thought new year’s resolutions were silly… especially since no one ever sticks with them! no day like today to start improving your life!
Not a fan of New Year Resolutions…if you have something to change, start NOW! For October I want to do as much batch cooking as possible, so once the holidays hit and it gets CRAZY, I will always have something healthy in the freezer to eat. 🙂
I’m with you on the morning workouts. It’s just something we’ve got to commit to and get it done. After a month, it’ll be old hat (it already is after just a few weeks). You can do it!
I also agree that resolutions are a waste. I usually make them in a joking manner, because my refresh new year starts in August (from eleven years ago when I made a full on lifestyle change).
Keep it up!
I’m right there with you on the mojo. I find that even setting small goals each week helps me stay motivated. Right now I aim for 3 hardcore workouts and 1 short run a week and it’s keeping me sane!! I’d like to focus on more core work though – these abs aren’t going to fix themselves, lol.
I’m with you!!!! And it’s am workouts for me too! I did 4:30 wake ups for 1 solid year and simply couldn’t do it anymore. Let’s bring them back! I’m with you lady!!!! Let’s do this 👊👊👊💜💜💜
I am going to do better at month 2 of insanity than I did at month 1! November’s goal is already set: start running again!
I totally agree. I never really understood the concept of a New Year’s Resolution. Since a lot of them tend to be about getting healthier, I always found them similar to the concept of dieting. I always had a problem with that term too because it is a quick solution to an overall problem. If you consistently eat healthy and take care of your body, there’s no need to diet. Your weight should maintain the same.
A resolution is like a diet to me. If you need a specific time to change something about your life, then it probably won’t work out. Making little changes are also much easier than setting unrealistic goals and expectations. Most people set such a high goal that it is hard to reach and if they fail they usually feel worse than before they set the goal.
Go easy on yourself. Change comes over time and with willingness. If youre not ready to change something yet, don’t force it.
You can do it!!! Working out in the morning is tough, but as long as you have your workout clothes ready to go and get to bed at a decent hour you should be fine. I am sure having your evenings free will be nice so that you can spend more time with your family.
I absolutely agree. I have never really been a fan of New Years Resolutions and always felt like they were setting one up for failure. I love the idea of shorter term goals though. I agree that you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Things happen. Life happens and we do what we can.
Katie, done and done. Both on setting goals now (not putting them off) AND being that annoying work friend who asks you EVERY day how it went that morning for your workout!! So, challenge accepted. Let’s keep each other on track- I’d encourage everyone to find a “battle buddy” who can keep us honest and working towards our goals (I shamelessly stole that term from the military). – Captain Sean
I also need to move to morning workouts. Work is killing me, and because I’m too outspoken for my own good, it’s going to get worse.
So, if you need a long-distance accountability buddy, I’m in 🙂
Wow, I love this idea!! I too was never one to work out in the mornings. Last summer when I joined a running group everything changed. I saw how much better my running was in the morning! Now I prefer to get up earlier then I need to just to get it done. Other then taking my spin classes in the evening. You can do it!! It takes some getting us to. I need to order a tank!! Happy Monthly Resolutions:)