The Problem with New Year New Me

Most people make new year's resolutions, but very few of them end up sticking to them. Why is it so hard to change our habits and behaviors long-term? It all has to do with the way our brains are wired. Let's take a look at why that is and how we can overcome these natural tendencies to finally succeed in accomplishing our goals!

The problem with new year resolutions is that they often focus on big changes instead of small ones. While it might be inspiring to think about making huge changes in your life this year, these types of sweeping transformations require a ton of willpower - something most of us don't have an endless supply of! So rather than trying to overhaul everything all at once, try focusing on one or two small behaviors that you can consistently work on and stick to.

For example, if your goal is to start exercising more, try incorporating just 10 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Even this small amount of physical activity will make a difference in how you feel and how healthy you are. And as long as you do it every day, there's no reason why you won't be able to keep doing it for the long-term. Similarly, if your goal is to eat healthier or improve some other aspect of your lifestyle, focus on one small change at a time and don't try to do too much all at once. By making smaller adjustments over time rather than big changes all at once, you'll be more likely to succeed!

Another issue that can prevent us from sticking to our resolutions is having unrealistic expectations. We see so many examples of people who have managed to make major transformations in their lives, and we often forget that they didn't get there overnight - it took them years of hard work and perseverance! So if your goal is to start exercising more or lose weight, remember that you're not going to accomplish these things overnight. It might take a few weeks or even months for you to notice any changes, but as long as you keep up with your habits every day, you'll eventually be able to achieve your goals.

At the end of the day, making new year's resolutions can be a great way to focus on areas where you want to improve in your life. But if you want to be successful, don’t believe the hype of instant transformation from January 1st! Do it in your own time and when you’re ready, not because the calendar dictates it. 

Remember that small changes are more likely to stick than big ones - and no matter how long it takes, consistent effort is the key to achieving your goals!​

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