“A New Year, A New Me!” …oh shut up!
Now it’s officially January it means it’s time for everyones favourite tradition; crafting New Year's resolutions! Often these resolutions are the same from the previous year and are only ever stuck to for no more than about… two weeks! (if your lucky)
While the idea and intentions of New Year's resolutions may seem appealing and can be a symbolic way to embrace change and personal growth... it's time to acknowledge the harsh reality: New Year's resolutions are often a load of rubbish, disappointment and set people up for failure rather than success.
Let’s take a look at 5 Reasons Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Always Suck!
1. Unrealistic Expectations
Many of us fall into the trap of aiming for unrealistic radical transformations, often in the shortest amount of time possible. It could be: losing a significant amount of weight, quitting smoking, or a complete overhaul your lifestyles. These lofty goals are rarely rooted in practicality, making them difficult to achieve and maintain.
2. External Pressures and Comparison
The most common pitfall of New Year's resolutions is the tendency to set unrealistic expectations. Fuelled by societal expectations and the preconceived notion that the fresh calendar should be seen as a blank canvas and the start of something new. This hype can be so deceptive, leading us to set unrealistic and unsustainable goals.
3. The "All or Nothing" Mentality
The "all or nothing" mentality, is where individuals feel compelled to adhere to their goals perfectly. This rigid approach can be detrimental to the result of the resolution, as the smallest setbacks or deviations from the plan are perceived as failures; which leads people to become demotivated and abandon their resolutions altogether.
4. Lack of Planning and Accountability
Many resolution-makers often believe the only step to making a resolution is; simply stating aloud their resolution. Without the proper planning, accountability and necessary tools to navigate any challenges that may arise along the way, means resolutions frequently fail... and quickly!
5. Overemphasis on Result, Underemphasis on Process
New Year's resolutions tend to focus so heavily on the desired outcome rather than the process of achieving it. When goals become more about the end result than the journey, it leads individuals to become disheartened quicker when progress is slow or setbacks occur.
Thanks to a combination of the reasons outlined means regardless of how well intentioned the resolution may start off being; they will more often than not, not turn into anything more than just mere wishes and fantasies - easily abandoned at the first sign of trouble.
But here‘s the real kicker… did you know… it doesn’t have to be like this!
whaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Embracing a Continuous Improvement Mindset
Instead of succumbing to the pressure and the constraints of setting goals and resolutions during this one-time annual event, it may be more beneficial to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. By shifting the focus from grand gestures to more sustainable, incremental changes throughout the year; this allows for flexibility and adaptability, which in turn can lead to more fulfilling and achievable results, increasing the likelihood of success.
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