Why New Choices Beat Out New Year’s Resolutions Every Time!
Written by: Denise Stegall, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise
Happy New Year comes with a lot of pressure.
Pressure to be happy for one and the pressure to choose a resolution. At the stroke of midnight, you must resolve to do this one thing that you have never done before. Whether you decide to go to the gym, go on a diet, eat healthier (the most common resolutions, btw), your resolution is doomed to fail.
What is a resolution? The primary definition states that a resolution solves a problem. What problem are you solving at midnight after a glass or two of champagne, anyway?
More than likely, on New Year's Eve, your declaration is more about making a promise to yourself or maybe someone else to do something different in the New Year; perhaps it is a firm decision to do or not do something.
You will have every best intention for this resolution and believe that you are in 100 percent! But after a few weeks, the excitement of your resolution, or the result of a successful resolution, starts to wane. Why? Because it's work. Life gets back to normal after the holidays, and slowly but surely, your enthusiasm fades and your resolution is a flop. Three weeks into the New Year and you have failed. That isn't setting yourself up for success!
There are three reasons that I believe that New Years' Resolutions fail. The first one I have already mentioned. They are working, and work is challenging. Especially when you are working, raising a family, paying for stuff, and trying to live your life. Work is well, work, and unless you have a plan, prioritize your time and prepare for the necessary changes, you cannot succeed. I talk about the concept of plan, prioritize and prepare often on the Living Healthy List Platform.
Accountability or lack thereof is another issue that I see regarding resolutions. Without the support of someone else who has promised to help you no matter what, you're on an island fending for yourself. When you're by yourself, no one will ever know if you fail—only you.
The main reason resolutions fail is this. Your brain says Yes! But your heart is not in it. Here's an example. You know that you should eat healthier, but hamburgers taste so good. Rather than planning your meals, prioritizing your health, and preparing your food at home, you stop at the local fast-food joint for dinner. You know in your head that the hamburger isn't the best choice, but your heart hasn't entirely caught up. To be successful, you need to do a little prerequisite work first, and again work is hard.
Let's not make resolutions this year! I can already hear your cheers. Instead, let's make this year about New Choices. You feel less pressure already, don't you?
You can make new choices all year long and change them as necessary. You can choose again and again until you find the right choice for you. The key is to make a choice!
It is this simple. Choose to focus on something that you love. What are your passions? Your core values.
Read a book instead of watching television. There is nothing worth watching anymore, anyway! Choose to exercise for the health benefits not to lose weight. Why not choose to volunteer your time and expertise. You can do this at any age. It doesn't cost you anything, but you will gain much in return.
Assess with whom you spend your time. Choose to be around people who lift you up, not bring you down. They will shower you with positivity which attracts more positivity, and positive things happen to positive people. Positively!
Can you see how these choices can bring you success, joy, and happiness this year?
So, out with the old (resolutions) and in with the new (choices).
Make 2022 Your New Year of New Choices!
Denise Stegall, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Denise Stegall is the CEO and curator of Living Healthy List.com. As an inspirational thought leader, she is determined to provide Living Healthy List readers with honest, reliable, research-backed information in health, wellness, personal development, and fun that can be implemented in real life.
Denise began her career with a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, business management with a focus on nutrition.
She’s condensed 25 years of experience and study in nutrition, cooking, exercise, and coaching to help women find a happy, healthy, lifestyle that works for them.
Her experience in cooking and nutrition delivers a unique perspective on what works (and doesn’t work) for most people. Her philosophy revolves around three fundamentals: Eat Real Food, Make Good Decisions, and Be Accountable.
