Written By: Debjani Arora | Published : December 27, 2014 7:39 PM IST
New Year is just around the corner and you must have your list of resolutions ready by now. But sadly, most of these resolutions are either never implemented or are soon forgotten after the hangover settles. So, why is it that your New Year resolutions fail each year despite your honest intentions? Here are some probable reasons:
#1 Lack of self-commitment: Do you really give your resolutions the much needed attention and effort when it comes to implementing it? Or does your list keep gathering dust staying pinned up on your wall? If you have answered yes to these questions you know where things are going wrong. Action calls for effort. Probably you are one of those who make a resolution only out of excitement for the New Year and forget that sticking to them calls for sheer discipline and self-commitment all year through.
#2 Unable to distinguish between need and desire: Often your resolutions are a reflection of your superficial desires and have nothing to do with your immediate needs. The most common resolution that people make for New Year is to lose some weight and fail to stick to it. This is because this resolution is the one that is picked up randomly or because everyone else is doing the same. Hence, you don t have a burning desire within to fulfil the self-made promise. This is not your immediate need, explains Malti Bhojwani, Life Coach, India. On the other hand, if you decide to lose weight to boost your heart health or tackle knee pain then this resolution has a direct connection with your immediate need and you are likely to stick to it. Here are few tips on how to lose weight systematically.
#3 Not implementing them right from day one: Most people fail to stick to their New Year resolutions because they fail to implement them right from the 1st of January. After the hangover, too much partying and staying awake till late in the night people tend to postpone the implementation by a day or two. This escalates to a week then a month and then the resolution is completely forgotten. Instead, if you really want to stick to your resolution the first step should be to implement it right from day one, advises Malti. Here is how effective time management can help you keep stress out of your life.
#4 Giving up too soon: The 1st of February is the best time for some reality check. This date gives you an idea how well you faired with your resolutions in the past month. If you are disheartened at your performance, pull up your socks and try to improve. But if you fail to judge yourself after the first month it is evident that you might not be able to stick to the resolutions for the next 11 months and give up soon, says Malti. Here are seven ways to tackle diabetes amid the New Year.
#5 Lack of self-reward system: If you want your resolution to work, make sure you have a reward system in place. For instance, tell yourself that if you can hit the gym at least 25 days out of 30 days a month you would treat yourself to your favourite restaurant, or if you are able to spend 10 hours extra with your family bonding with them every week you will take the exotic mid-year vacation. This will help you be more true to your resolution and stick to them, says Malti.
#6 Not keeping track of the progress: It is difficult to stick to the resolutions diligently for all 365 days of the year. But that doesn t mean that you become ignorant and stop tracking your progress. Instead, make it a habit to track your progress every month. Keep a calendar in your room and tick off the days that you had been able to stick to your plans. Then make an assessment of yourself in the beginning of each month to improve yourself, says Malti. Remember resolutions are not meant for the 1st of January but for 12 months of the year.
#7 Not defining the goals clearly: Sometimes you have a realistic set of resolutions but still feel aimless and directionless with your list. This is because your wishes are not defined. Before penning down your resolution ask yourself what you want out of it. If it is about losing weight give yourself a specific number like two kilos a month, if you want to get a dream job work on your skills and connect with the right people. If you want to spend more time with your kids enrol in a class together to bond better. Always make sure that your goals are clearly defined and well planned in advance.
Image source: Getty Images
For more articles on diet & fitness, visit our diet & fitness section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
