Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions… What a waste of time and effort. Especially when you consider that this year, January 12 was officially labeled as Quitters’ Day, a day dedicated to those people who already failed at their resolutions. How sad. With all of the hype, chest pounding, and resolute proclamations, it is stunning to me that so many people quit their New Year’s Resolution so quickly. Business models are built around people quitting their resolutions before they have completely met their financial obligations (i.e. gym membership). These businesses will continue to collect money from their “quitting members” only to entice them to sign up again next year. A tremendous amount is made about making resolutions and then quitting them. Nothing is made about helping those around you make a change. It is now the 50th day of the year (2/19). Did you make resolutions? Have you been faithful to the changes that you wanted to make? Have you helped anyone with their changes?”

I used to fall into this trap of failure and make resolutions each year. By the end of January, my resolutions were forgotten and I would be back to my old ways. Unfortunately, we did not have Quitter’s Day back then so I had nothing to celebrate. Eventually, I realized how foolish it was to wait until the start of a new year to change my ways. I learned that if I wanted to make a change, I needed to start right away.

Waiting to make a change is simply a form of procrastination. Common knowledge states that it takes 60+ days to change a habit. Yet, people cannot keep the commitment to their New Year’s Resolutions for 12 days. Procrastination, i.e. waiting until New Year’s Day, is partly responsible for this mass failure. If you want to make a change, start now.

In order to make a lasting change, you have to have to set a specific goal. Going to the gym is not a specific goal. Adding an inch to your arms in 6 months is a specific goal. It requires planning, the right workouts, the right diet, the right mindset, the right amount of dedication, and the right rest. It will not happen just by going to the gym and socializing for an hour at a time.  

If you want to make a change, recognize that a change needs to occur, create a specific goal, develop a plan, and start the journey. Mark 60 days out on your calendar. Never wait until New Year’s Day to begin… never. It is just a sure path to failure.

Example:

A few months ago, I was eager to start a new workout plan. I just finished going through a challenging plan, but I had plateaued. It was time to shake thing up. So I did my research and developed my plan. I finished the plan late on a Saturday Night. What should I do? Should I wait until Monday, when I traditionally start a new cycle?

My new workout plan starts on Sundays instead of Mondays. Since the plan was set and ready to go on a Sunday, why should I wait until Monday? Sunday used to be my rest day, now it is Fridays when I am the busiest with my children’s schedule. So far, this works for me.

If you are looking for something to do with the New Year, do not make a resolution, complete a challenge. I have two that I do/start every New Year’s Day. The first is to do the year in pushups. This year, I did 2019 push-ups on January 1. I started in the morning and did them on and off throughout the day, finishing around 7 pm at night. Second, I go sober for a month starting on January 1 (Dry January). It is a great reset for my body.

Never wait to make a change. Instead of joining the herd on January 1, celebrate you and complete a challenge. Help others when they are trying to make a change. Challenge yourself to get better every day… year

Every day is an Interview.