Resolutions Suck! Try This Instead

Abstract:

We’re getting to that time of the year where people are divided into two groups: Those who fervently make New Year’s resolutions – get in shape, watch less Netflix, do more of what they love – and those who think resolutions are silly.

Experience tends to favour the second group. Most gym memberships started in January are no longer used by the end of February as people fall back into their old habits – only to repeat the cycle next time a New Year comes around.

There’s a third option. Your mission is to learn why resolutions suck and what to do instead.

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Task 1: The problem with resolutions

If you expect me to say that people are weak and have no willpower, then you don’t know me very well. It’s not your fault if you don’t stick with a resolution.

In fact, modern life makes it as hard for us as possible to make changes. Add to that the fact that humans are, indeed, creatures of habit, and you’ll begin to see why most resolutions are doomed to fail.

However, this doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to never change.

Task 2: Do this instead

There are several proven ways to effect change. Psychology and sociology have provided the science and both therapists and coaches contribute the practical experience with these things. Here’s a 5-step plan.

1. Look over the year 2022 and acknowledge the things that went right. This is important because it counterbalances our evolutionary negativity bias.

2. Then pinpoint things that you’d like to change in your life.

3. For each of these things, determine the first step you’d have to take in order to make that change. Just the first step!

4. Implement that step within 24 hours. If possible, do it straightaway, but within 24 hours is fine.

5. Celebrate like crazy!

The next day, start repeating steps 3-5, and continue to do so. If you struggle with any of this, enlist the help of a trained coach.