Wow – the New Year is just around the corner. It is that time of year where we reflect on the past and look hopefully towards the future. Psychologically the new year creates a turning point for change, a time for people to set resolutions.
Research shows approximately 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. According to Opinion Corporation of Princeton, NJ, only 8% of people are always successful at achieving their resolutions, with 24% failing every time. The rest of the population falls somewhere in between with 19% successful about half of the time and 49% achieving infrequent success. Where do you fall into these categories?
Regardless of what types of resolutions you make, I believe there are two very important questions one needs to ask themselves.
Question 1 – Why is doing this important to me?
Asking this question can bring about a deluge of logical reasons for setting your resolution. “I want to be healthier”; “I want to look better”, “I want to feel better”. For every type of change a person makes, there are a plethora of articles and logical reasons to support the importance of this. However, logic doesn’t cut it. Change takes work and logical reasoning doesn’t keep us motivated to make the changes we intend when the going gets tough.
To turn your resolution from a wish into a habit there needs to be a deep-rooted emotional connection. I resolved to get off grains during this year because there is strong evidence that grains are a cause of inflammation. Lowering inflammation is an important way for me to stay off pharmaceutical medications. I have a very strong belief that most pharmaceutical medications do more harm than good (and there are times where they are essential to the wellbeing of a person). Because of my belief, I have been able to stay off grains for over three months without feeling deprived or challenged.
Question 2 – What stopped me from making this change during the year?
If something is important to us, we really don’t need the start of a new year to work on it. Consider why you haven’t made the change during 2021. Maybe it’s a new realization or maybe you’ve been in denial or ignoring the issue. There may be a disconnect from the deep importance of taking the required actions or some underlying fears.
Do the work to uncover what is blocking you. This will help you to move forward and embrace the change with a positive mindset and strong determination.
We all know that change can be uncomfortable and sometimes even hard, but in the long run, the positive impact your resolution will create on your health and wellbeing is what you need to stay focused on to be successful.
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season and New Year!