New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Give Up!

How are those New Year resolutions going?

For many people, the new year is an opportunity to overhaul habits and make big changes to their lifestyle. It can be tempting to go to extremes at the cusp of a new year, but abrupt changes can be difficult to stick to, and often, many people quickly fall back into old habits. In fact, scientific studies suggest that making big, sweeping changes may not produce the best results. One reason it’s so difficult to stick with extreme changes, is that it takes your body a while to adjust.

If you were to sign up to run a marathon, you wouldn’t expect your body to be able to complete it the day after you sign up. It is hugely demanding on the body, and when it doesn’t work out, which research shows is often the case, it is extremely demotivating. Waning motivation aside, there’s a lot happening at a physical level when you try to change too much too fast. In turn, this can lead to feelings of personal failure, self-criticism, and guilt.

Starting small avoids unnecessary stress on the body and can make it a more enjoyable experience, focused on self-care rather than self-depreciation. In turn, this promotes a feeling of accomplishment when we can kick new habits off. The dopamine hit we get when we achieve something, furthers the positive cycle which encourages us to continue on the path.

The year is still very young! What do you want to change in 2023? Do you have a goal that you want to reach? Do you need accountability and support? Have you thought about working with a Coach? Message me for more information!