New Year’s Resolution Not Working Out? Here’s Why.
“New year, new me.” Sound familiar? New Year Resolutions have always been a popular way of welcoming a fresh start. One month in from the start of 2022 and many of us may be finding ourselves not quite sticking to our resolutions in the way we had expected.
There are many reasons why resolutions often don’t quite work out. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Too Vague
When deciding upon a resolution, wording them vaguely makes it difficult for us to carry it through because we simply might not know how to do so. A common example of a vague resolution would be to “lose weight”. But how? Such a resolution is too big a task and too vague for anyone to properly carry it through. Instead, when we decide upon the parameters of our resolution and phrase it specifically with actionable steps, we set ourselves up for success. For example, instead of setting our minds to “losing weight”, we can simply commit to exercising for 30 minutes every day.
2. Negative Wording
Another issue that arises from poorly constructed resolutions is the use of negative phrases. Resolutions like “don’t be lazy”, “don’t eat fast food” and “don’t stay up late” do not necessarily tell us what to do. For a higher chance at sticking to your goals, craft your resolutions to instruct and to be clear on what should be done. Such examples include: “eat 2 portions of vegetables a day” and “sleep before 12a.m. every night”.
3. Not a SMART resolution
Most of us are likely to simply create resolutions based off our gut-feel when we think about what we want to do differently in the new year. However, there are more systematic ways to craft good resolutions. One of them would be SMART goal-setting. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Firstly, resolutions should be specific. Know yourself, and know exactly what you want to do or change. Secondly, they should be measurable. This means that the resolutions should be quantifiable. To “sleep more” is not quantifiable. However, to “sleep 8 hours each day” is a measurable target. Thirdly, resolutions ought to be achievable. For each individual, what is realistically attainable is different. Know yourself, your limits, and how far they can be pushed. Next, your resolution should be relevant. You understand what you need to change in your life. Using that context, think of resolutions for yourself. Do not rush into adopting resolutions that your family or friends have set for themselves because these resolutions may not be relevant to you. Lastly, your resolution should be time-bound. Set a deadline by which you should have achieved your goal, because this ensures greater accountability.
Now that you have gotten a better understanding on what makes a resolution a good one and how to ensure a higher chance of success, you’re set to create new and better ones for yourself. Changes and improvements to your lifestyle do not need to wait for a new year or a new month to begin - you can start right now. Resolutions are goals, and you can decide what goals to set for yourself.
At BCD, we nurture motivated individuals to achieve their fullest potential through consistent effort and guidance. Interested in setting good goals and crafting out actionable plans for your success? Contact us now. Here, your focus is YOU.
