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New Year’s Resolutions Are Not Always The Best Solution
Blog | January 07, 2015
“To change one’s life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.”
– William James
It’s that time of the year again when many folks insist upon making lofty, unreasonable promises to themselves and to others about how they intend to change their lives for the better. Often this includes a desire to make monumental changes to their health and wellbeing. The sad truth is New Year’s resolutions are almost always destined to fail. According to a 2007 study done by Professor Richard Wiseman, A British psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, 88% of individuals fail achieve their resolutions. 88%! That’s pretty much everyone!
The problem is not goal setting either. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. One of the factors involved in the astonishingly high failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is that they involve so many vague, poorly thought-out goals. The resolutions people make tend to lack legitimate planning outside of a desire or need to change. For example, two incredibly common one’s are losing weight and quitting smoking. Both demand a plan of attack, research and guidance. That is, they are worthy goals that can be accomplished, but not by wishful thinking alone.
Wiseman insists that the success of resolutions is contingent upon detailed planning. That is, don’t just say you want get in better shape, plan ahead and be specific. For example, promise yourself that you will visit the Zgym five times a week instead of your usual three and that you’ll manage your sweet tooth better. Schedule it in. Make adjustments. Use a planner if you must.
Two other factors that dramatically increase the success of any goal, not just New Year’s resolutions, are persistence and a positive attitude. Of course, persistence requires patience. A positive attitude can often be tricky in the thick of a stressful day or week, but focusing on the benefits that stand to be gained rather than how difficult the task is helps. In other words, Wiseman insists that we should focus on the proverbial carrot not the stick.
Resolutions and goals are a necessary part of growth for all of us. It requires, even demands shifts in our mindset and behaviors. Most importantly though, it’s not necessary to wait around for a holiday to grow, change and transform. Whether it’s today or tomorrow or even months from now, do it! The power do to so is within you. I know it is. That said, Happy New Year’s, my dear Warriorz!
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Private Member |
I told myself I won’t eat sugar and will exercise daily. But I got sick…on the first day of January. I am careful with sugar, yes..I actually didn’t know I’m that addicted to it but I can’t exercise. I was bummed but then well, I better rest 🙂 as soon as I get better I will do my best to follow weekly plan 🙂
I like this article, its very true!
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
I believe that so – many people oftentimes, failed to their “new year’s resolution”. Bottom lines, I don’t set resolution but I put mind and heart to what I want to accomplish. Why I love ZGym and Zuzka and my other physical activities e.g. Zumba, Insanity, Power Walk, Kettlebell, Jump Rope, etc…, because, I love the pain, I love the outcome I get after every hard work. It feels good inside and outside my body. Yeah, I’m just human who is sometimes, not in the mood. I will tell you what, those days, I have this mindset – I don’t think, but just do it!!! Guess what, I often glad I did because I’m happy and feel energized after. Happy New Year, Zuzka & Jesse and all the puppies and to all warriorZs!!! 🙂
Private Member |
The only resolution I made was to keep doing what I was doing,exercising & eating right.I can’t believe some of these one month resolutions amongst my friends in England on FB.Losing weight by the “Egg Diet” lose 2 stone (28Lbs) in 2 weeks.That’s all very well but what happens after these 2 weeks,can they sustain this weight loss,probably, not especially as a lot of them don’t exercise.Crazy fads!
Happy New Year Zuzka,Jesse & all ZWarriors!
Private Member |
Oops,the comma is in the wrong place – probably not, is what I meant to write. 🙂
Private Member |
naples, fl, usa
No one has a bigger sweet tooth than I do(thinks of her 25 year old self drinking ben and jerry’s for dinner and shudders) I keep it in check with strawberries and a tiny (tiny) bit of unsweetened whipped heavy cream (1 TBS 20 calories) I have also decided to try and make a perfect protein brownie! (my downfall brownies! boy is a regular brownie hard to fit in my macros) I have kept my promise to myself to not skip workouts ( even though I have had a twinge in my back for over a week….modifications are beneficial!) How are you all doing with your sweet teeth and promises? xoxo Dibsie
Private Member |
usa
Ben & Jerry’s for dinner?! =D I don’t have so much of a sweet tooth anymore, but when I get a sugar craving it’s BAD. I like your idea of working fruit into the sweet fix. Do you have a recipe for your protein brownie? Good luck with your goals (and your back)!
Private Member |
naples, fl, usa
Perfect Protein Brownie is this weekends project. I will let you all know when I solve the mystery!
Private Member |
I am happy to report that more often than not in my life I have been part of the 12% of people that sticks to my resolution. The one I haven’t achieved quite yet is getting as ripped as Zuzana. I am not far off but there are a couple of factors that keep me from my goal. It’s not really anything I can actually help either. For one, I have a condition whereby I cannot absorb protein very well so I tend to eat more carbs (90% veggies though) so I have less muscle definition and a tiny (and I mean tiny) layer of fat that just will not burn off. I don’t restrict calories or portion sizes. I eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. However sometimes I can overeat if I’m really hungry because I eat too fast. I do not have a sweet tooth which helps but I’m still not where I want to be. This year I am making steps to try some new things like finding a good protein powder that might help me build some muscle and shed the fat. Any suggestions for a good vegan protein powder with minimal and natural ingredients? Good luck to all of you who are planning to stick to your goals! Great article Z!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Hello Zoe!
If it comes to protein, I would suggest you tried iherb.com.
I ordered many products from them and I’m really satisfied with the quality they offer.
I’m also thinking about new protein powder, and I was thinking about this:
http://www.iherb.com/Garden-of-Life-RAW-Protein-Beyond-Organic-Protein-Formula-22-oz-622-g/22343#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-US&w=raw%20protein%20powder&rc=3219&sr=null&ic=2
Maybe you’ll find it useful.
Take care, Magda
Private Member |
Thanks for the link Magda! I will check it out!
Private Member |
Hey Zoe, i don’t know if it’s available in your country i take ,,Muskelmän” vegan rice protein and can recommend it 🙂 maby you have possibility to get it. have a nice day. Love from the alps Sinah
Private Member |
I have never heard of this brand (I live in Canada) but I will look for it. Thanks!
Private Member |
myrtle beach, south carolina, united states
I had a few specific goals for my New Year’s resolutions: continue on my fitness journey, improve my golf game, paint a picture and learn something new. So far, I’ve stuck to the fitness goal and that’s it, lol. I’m lucky that I don’t have a sweet tooth; I gravitate towards savory foods. So no problem with sodas, either.
Love the quote by William James!
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
Thanks for saying it most people follow the traditional norm here in America. Well I don’t participate in New Year’s Resolutions because I feel those resolutions are most likely something you should be doing regularly and always. For example if it’s about getting healthy/working out, getting out of debt, stop cussing, or stop bad habits they should be worked on every day of your life.
I really loved this one.