New Years’ resolutions rarely
bring the lasting change that you hope for. The number one resolution - losing
weight - makes sense considering the epidemic of obesity and related diseases,
and our genuine desire to look and feel better.
But since only 8% of people who
make resolutions actually stick to them, the question remains why do we keep
making resolutions, especially if we know we are probably not going to keep
them?
Anyone who has ever made and
broken a New Year’s Resolution can appreciate the difficulty of behavior change.
When we think of behavior change, we usually are at one the following three stages.
Not Ready - You are not
intending to take action in the near future, and can be unaware that your behavior
is a problem.
Getting Ready - You are
beginning to recognize that your behavior is problematic, and you start to
reflect on the pros and cons of your continued habits.
Ready - You are intending to
take action in the immediate future, and may begin taking small steps toward behavior
change.
Action - You have made specific
actions in modifying your problem behavior or you have begun acquiring new
healthy behaviors.
Behavior changes require three things: a trigger, ability, and motivation. If you are not getting the behavior change you desire, one of those three things is lacking.
ReplyDeletePeople might think they want to slim down, but when they actually reflect on the sacrifices and commitment required, they realize they aren't ready.
ReplyDeleteThere’s something about the New Year that evokes a renewed optimism when it comes to losing weight and improving health. Our desire and enthusiasm takes over and we are certain that our New Year’s resolutions will totally work out this time.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right. I few years ago I stopped making the resolutions and just treated the new year like any other monthly transition. I think it really helped me mentally!
ReplyDeleteSince, I stopped making the new year resolution which i know i won't put in action . I think it really helped me on improving my health.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right. New year resolution only take me backward.
DeleteThey are great when you say them, and even if you reach them, you end up back sliding. I haven't made any in a long long time. I feel any day you decide to be healthier and lose weight is a good day to start, not waiting for a new year. You will be stuck saying "better luck next year" for YEARS.
ReplyDeleteNew Year's resolutions sound great at the time, but truthfully speaking, they seldom work out. If you want to change, start now, don't wait for a new year to improve yourself. That's my advice!
ReplyDelete