Episode 133: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Your New Year's Resolution

Listen In

Summary

OK so I know New Years resolutions have gotten a bad rap over the years, especially if they are directed at weight loss goals.

The statics aren't in your favor and you have likely experienced the disappointment of falling off the wagon come mid-February multiple times over.

But I have to be honest, I'm out here rooting for us to bring the new year's resolution back!

It's a fresh start, a new beginning, an opportunity unlike any other throughout the year to reflect on what you really want and make a sweeping declaration that you're going to make. it. happen. 

I believe in the magic and the fresh motivation that a new year brings. 

So I say, let's  claim those big, audacious goals again, but let's do it in a way that's going to make us successful this time.

How?

By avoiding these 5 common pitfalls when setting said resolution...

1. Setting a resolution without a strong enough 'why'.

Making changes in your life in any way is hard, so you're going to need a really strong, compelling reason to keep going when the going gets tough. 

There are 2 ways I like to help clients find their why:

Write down, "Why do I want to achieve this goal?" at the top of a page. Then write "So that..." (and fill in the blank), "So that..." "So that..." until you get to the root of what's driving you. 

This could look like "Why do I want to achieve this goal? To feel more energized. So that... I have more energy to play with my kids. So that... I set a good example for them and build a close relationship with them. So that... they don't feel disconnected from me like I feel disconnected from my mom who would just sit on the couch all day, ignoring me.

BOOM. That's a strong why.

Another way to find your why is to come at it backwards and ask yourself what you're missing out on or what you're sacrificing by not achieving your goals. 

2. Choosing a goal you don't actually have control over.

Here's the thing, I'm all for a weight loss goal, BUUUUUUT I would rather you not use the scale. 

I know that sounds completely counter intuitive. But here's the thing, the scale is unreliable, unpredictable, and you have virtually zero control over what it says. You could do everything right all week, but have an especially salty dinner and all of a sudden the scale says you're up 4 pounds. 

Instead, pick more process-based goals like, "I want to master mindful eating this year" or "I want to try a new healthy recipe every week" or "I want to try a different fitness class every week to find movement I love" or "I want to learn to cook". 

Those are all things you can 100% control, and therefore actually feel successful at!

3. Telling yourself you're not going to fall off the wagon/fuck up/fall down instead of planning how you're going to respond to falling off the wagon/fucking up/falling down.

This might be the biggest mistake I see. A lot of times when we set our resolution, we set it with the expectation that we're going to be perfect at it all year long.

For example, we'll say "I'm going to work out every day this year." And then the first day we get sick, or travel, or move, or just forget, we consider it a fail and quit altogether. 

Perfection is the enemy of consistency. So instead of trying to be perfect, figure out how you're going to get back on track when you're not perfect. 

4. Planning on using similar strategies as the ones you've used in the past that didn't work for you.

Have you tried a new diet every January for the past 5 years? Maybe it's time to find a different approach. 

I know it may seem like the diets are different, but they're all the same restrictive, rule-based, unsustainable ways of eating, dressed up in slightly different outfits.

If you're looking for a truly new way of achieving your weight loss goals, a way that focuses on building consistent healthy habits, a way that focuses on improving your relationship with food, a way that makes you the expert of your own body, I just opened up the doors for my January round of Follow Your Gut. If you sign up before January 3rd you'll get $50 off using code FYGEARLYBIRD50 at check out. Click here for more details and to sign up.

5. Not creating an effective plan to achieve your goal.

We'll be going over exactly how to turn your new year's resolution into a simple, clear action plan in next week's episode. 

But just know this: if you want to achieve a goal, and I look at your calendar and can't tell you what your goal is... we've got some work to do. 😉

------------------------------------

Let's Chat!

If you're loving these episodes, you'll love the customized advice you'll get on a free 'Kickstart Your Weight Loss' call with me! Click here to schedule yours now 😉 

Hot News & Deals!

Click here to book a complimentary consultation if you want to lose weight and keep it off without restrictive dieting!

Ready to say goodbye to stubborn weight, uncontrollable cravings, emotional eating, and tummy 'fluff'? Click here to get on the waitlist for Follow Your Gut!!

Can't get enough health and fitness inspo?

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or join my #badasswarrior tribe in my free Facebook group!

Want to be reminded when a new episode airs? Click here to subscribe for reminders!

Your daily discount!

Click here to get 15% off your first Fre Skincare Set! It's designed for skin that sweats.

_{The owner of this website may receive compensation for recommendations made in reference to the products or services on this website. This compensation may be in the form of money, services, or complimentary products and could exist without any action from a website visitor. Should you purchase a product or service that was recommended by this website, it is understood that some form of compensation might be made to the website owner. For example, if you click on an affiliate link at this website and then make a purchase of the recommended product or service, the website owner may receive compensation.}

_{The information shared in this blog and podcast are intended for informational purposes only. They are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions and you should always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.}