5 Steps for Setting a New Year’s Resolution
5 Steps for Setting a New Year’s Resolution
Now that the New Year is here, many of us want a fresh start for our health habits. We may want to change what we eat, how we move our bodies or other lifestyle behaviors. While the pursuit of self-improvement is overall a positive thing, many of us go awry during the goal-setting process, eventually leading to a sense of failure. Consider these steps for setting a New Year’s resolution that sets you up for success.
Silence the noise. In January, the diet industry promotes extreme cleanses, detoxes and the like. Stick to the basics instead. Eat a balanced plate for most meals and stay active despite challenges like winter weather.
Be specific. If your resolution is to lose weight, think about the specific behaviors that will help you work towards that overall goal. While there is no one weight loss method for everyone, start by eating more whole plant foods and being physically active in ways that are enjoyable.
Avoid a 0-to-100 approach. A common downfall of New Year’s resolutions is that they are not realistic. It’s not reasonable to expect that you can flip a switch and consistently practice a demanding new health behavior. Start with small goals and build on them over time.
Consider accountability. There are many ways to stick to health goals. If you want to stay accountable to an exercise goal, enlist a workout buddy, write down goals and join in-person or virtual group fitness classes.
Evolve. New Year’s resolutions should not be static; they should change along with you. Check in regularly and make sure that your resolutions are still SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound).
For more tips, check out 5 Steps to Writing a Health Goal.
