It’s February 1. What Happened to Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Like millions of other Americans, did you made a long list of New Year’s resolutions with much enthusiasm and optimism? I bet you promised yourself that starting January 1, that you would lose weight, get fit, do an IRONMAN® triathlon, an ultramarathon, eat more kale and less red meat, stop procrastinating, keep a clean house, get a raise, be promoted at work, be less judging and more forgiving, and so much more.

It’s Now February 1

So 32 days later, you’ve achieved every single resolution, right?

You’re lighter, fitter, happier, healthier, stronger, and richer, aren’t you?

Congratulations on getting that raise or getting hired at your dream job.

Yeah, I’m joking…well, sort of. Perhaps you can relate to what I’ve often felt: bad, even really bad, for not seemingly achieving one single resolution. Maybe “bad” isn’t the right word. How about “terrible” and “despicable”?

For years I got sucked into that insane cycle of making completely unrealistic resolutions. That resulting long list of resolutions triggers a tsunami of emotions. To fend off the feeling of being overwhelmed, unprepared, and unwilling (to the core) to make changes, I seek solace from dark chocolate…and a lot of it.

Your [New] New Year’s Resolution

I’m using a different approach now. Instead of the usual “I’m going to lose 30 pounds, dagnabbit!,” I opt for “I’ll continue to eat better because I like feeling better.”

See the difference? One statement focuses on a one-time achievement. The other focuses on a lifestyle.

Does that mean I’ll never lose those 30 pounds? I admit, I doubt I will and for reasons only a psychologist can probably help me with.

I do know that I lost 20 pounds [in 2015 when this post was originally published] and have kept it off. My body is stronger than ever because I’ve added an aerobics class and strength training to my overall activity. I’ve improved my consistency in adhering to a gluten-free diet that has resulted in improved mood and outlook, overall brain function and digestion, and physical strength and stamina.

Then the global COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, lingered in 2021, and kinda-sorta ended in 2022. All the weight I had lost came back…and so did the crazy thinking! “Oh heck ya, easy-peasy to drop that 20 pounds!”

But only if I get back to being active every day, choose more nutritious foods, and tune out the bat-poop-crazy outside world. Am I right?

Lose “Track” Toward Your Goals

I’m also jettisoning the “I lost track,” “I got off track,” and “Which track do I do?” type of thinking. This fitness life isn’t about starting, stopping, quitting, finding one’s self again. It’s simply a part of living. It’s my daily tasks and choices, I believe, that makes bigger, more sustainable impact on my health and mobility than just “losing 30 pounds.”

So if you feel like you’ve “failed” at keeping your resolutions, here’s what to do:

1. Take another look at your resolutions. Choose up to five of the most important ones and ditch the rest.
2. Re-write those resolutions to be more specific empowering. For instance, the statement “I will lose 50 pounds” doesn’t have a timeline nor a plan of action. Change it to “I strive to lose three pounds per month by walking briskly for 30 minutes three times a week.” See the difference?
3. Accept the fact that life often doesn’t go according to plan. Work schedules change. Kids change schools. Families move. Injury or illness happens. Marriage, divorce, and deaths distract us. It’s okay to do what you can in the moment when going through situations like these.
4. If motivation for improved fitness is lagging, then sign up for an event! There’s nothing like plunking down thirty bucks for, say, a 5K road race to get you motivated to lacing up your walking or running shoes and getting out the door. Find an upcoming race or event in your area.
5. Be enthusiastic about how your resolutions represent a new healthy lifestyle for you. Keep a goal in sight but enjoy the journey!

It’s time for me to fulfill my “Move More” resolution by getting away from the computer and do a quick five minute walk.

Until next time, keep moving!

Originally published Feb. 1 2016 | Updated and republished Feb. 2, 2024.