Buzz
Thank goodness, 2021 is nearly over. As we look toward the hopeful future ahead (where all our challenges will surely disappear), it's tempting to set grand resolutions to emerge from 2022 as a better version of ourselves. Unfortunately, the most common resolutions are often the ones doomed from the outset.
I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t make plans or set goals. There's plenty of opportunity to pursue exciting new things if that’s what you truly desire. But please, steer clear of unrealistic health resolutions like the ones listed below.
Quit eating sugar (or substitute any 'unhealthy' food item here)
Eliminating sugar (or caffeine, or certain foods like desserts or coffee) is something a person might do for a short period. We all know someone who quit sugar for a week or a month. However, in the end, desserts are part of life, sugar is not the true villain, and it’s important to allow some flexibility in your diet to avoid falling into unhealthy patterns and thoughts about food.
Try this approach instead: The World Health Organization suggests keeping added sugars to no more than 10% of your total calorie intake. If you can manage that easily, they recommend even better: reducing it to 5%. This still gives you room for occasional sweet treats while maintaining a healthy overall balance in your diet.
Lose a specific number of pounds
Weight loss isn't always the healthiest goal for everyone. Even when it’s for physical health, becoming obsessed with the number on the scale can negatively impact your mental health. So if you do want or need to lose weight, it’s likely better to adopt a more thoughtful strategy than just targeting a number and sacrificing everything to reach it.
Try this instead: Think about what will improve your health, even if you don't lose weight. How about working out 150 minutes per week? Or eating more fiber, vegetables, and protein? These goals can work alongside weight loss objectives, or even as alternatives, so you'll be supporting your health whether or not you achieve your target weight.
Try an exercise you absolutely despise.
Do you absolutely loathe running? Then why set yourself up to become a runner? Do you have a deep aversion to the gym? Then why make the decision to sign up for one? I fully support giving things a go even if you think you’ll hate them, but the key here is trying the new thing—not enduring it through an entire year.
Consider this instead: Is there any exercise you’ve actually enjoyed before? Maybe you could find a way to incorporate it or discover something similar. How about joining a dance class, or trying out hiking? Or, if you’re not sure what you’re into, experiment by trying something new each month and see what resonates.
Any resolution that you’ve repeated from last year.
If this same old resolution has been lingering on your list for years, what makes you think this year will be different? I know, I’m crushing your aspirations here. But if you couldn't follow through on this resolution last year or the year before, it might not be the right fit for you.
Try this instead: What insights can you gain from your past attempts? Perhaps your resolution required flawless execution; this time, set more achievable targets (such as ‘meditate once a week’ instead of ‘meditate every day’). Or, maybe your resolution was too unclear. If that's the case, break it down into manageable steps and create a plan, not just a wish.
