Why New Year's Resolutions Often Are Doomed to Fail

Think of last year at this time. 

Seems like a blink, doesn't it?  Every year, many start off the New Year with new goals; as you know, we like to call them "resolutions." Some are personal, business or financial goals, but most are related to fitness and health. Many gyms and fitness centers are so overloaded with new and "resolute" old members  that many regularly attending and committed members try to find new hours to get their workouts done. 

But by the end of January and early February, the term resolution is no longer of importance, and gym attendance goes back to normal. In fact, the term is no longer in our lexicon by then. If you are in the fitness business or have struggled every year with your commitment to fitness and health, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

Better Options to Achieve Success

Daily goal: Instead of making a resolution, try a daily goal. Do something each day that moves you toward your long-term goal. Your daily movement or change from the normal routine will help you form a new habit. Some will say it only takes 21 days to build a habit, but that is not a scientifically proven number. 

This also has been studied in the European Journal of Social Psychology, which claims it takes about two months to build a habit. So do not feel bad if you do not go to the gym consistently within the first month. Do something each day, even if that's a simple walk after each meal or an extra bottle or glass of water with each meal, too.

Quarterly goal: Make longer-term goals that aren't as open-ended as: "This year, I am getting fit." A quarterly goal of dropping a few dress sizes or a few notches on the belt are perfect for starters. You may reach those goals halfway through the quarter if you move with a purpose and keep your daily goals in mind. 

Also consider a performance goal. Try to add something like a pull-up or 5K run to your routine. If you are already active, pump it up a level and shoot for a 10K run or even a half-marathon.

Are you bored with running? Try a triathlon. Learn how to swim. Lift weights and try to get stronger, maybe even as strong as you once were in high school or college. It can be done. 

There are so many ways to learn something new while getting fit and healthy. Make a new quarterly goal, succeed, make another one, and the next thing you know, you have finished a year with several health goals completed. Along the way, you will have reached that bigger and most important achievement by the end of the year: getting fit and healthy.

Don't waste your time with a resolution. Make a resolution if it gets you started, but to keep going, break your plan down into daily, monthly and quarterly sub-goals. The longer-term goals will arrive sooner than you realize.  If you start today, this year will go by in a blink just like last year, and you will be in an entirely different place. 

Good luck in 2015.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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