January is known to many as a month filled with promise and potential. New Year’s resolutions are especially associated with this month, as many see the first month of the year as one to start working towards a new goal. The most common resolutions are to become or stay fit and healthy. This may include increasing exercise, starting a new diet, or cutting down on unhealthy habits. However, these goals too often go unmet. According to a University of Scranton study, about 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% succeed in keeping them.
People need to realize that lifestyle changes don’t have to start at a calendar date. The first day of the year is just another day. Granted, it is the first day of a new year, but this doesn’t make it a better day to start a ‘new you.’ In fact, it may be one of the worst times of year for this. Research shows that the start of the year is one of the most hectic months – keeping up a new goal might not be the easiest during this time.
One of the biggest problems with New Year’s resolutions is that we tend to have an “all or nothing” mentality. By focusing on one goal, we forget about the continued process of growth and progress in our daily lives. Goals have to have multiple steps – not just one final outcome.
Having goals is great, but this January, focus on the everyday goals that life poses. If you want to make a permanent change, don’t just start because it’s the first day of the year- start whenever is the best time for you! It doesn’t have to be a New Year, New You – you can have a New Day, New You too!
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