So it’s that time of year again, and when I went along for my first exercise class of the year today, the leisure centre was packed. I found myself wondering cynically how long this would last, before those whose attendance was due to a resolution found themselves faltering.
I’m not a supporter of New Year Resolutions (NYRs) – we all know that exercising, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake etc. are good ideas – but most people’s experience of NYRs is of initial enthusiasm, that peters out until resolve is lost.
I suspect that there are a few inter-related reasons for this:
a) set ourselves unrealistic goals -”I’ll exercise every day” and
b) believe that we have to do the activity perfectly and
c) set ourselves too many different self-improvement areas to work on.
So what do I recommend instead of NYRs? This is my adaptation of SMART goals.
1. Accept that you’re not perfect and you never will be.
2. Think about why you want to lose weight/reduce your alcohol consumption etc. What do you want to be able to do that the NYR is a step towards?
3. What inspires you about the underlying goal?
4. Brainstorm ways of starting directly on that underlying goal.
5. Look at what’s realistic in terms of the other commitments in your life, and the inevitable hiccups – snow, going down with a virus, car failing to start – that life will deliver.
6. Choose a time for starting when predictable interruptions are low, and your resilience to stress and frustration are high.
7. Expect unanticipated hiccups – and realise that they’re not a reason to stop.
8. Choose a supporter/coach who will encourage you to keep going and remind you of the inspiration underlying your goal.
9. Congratulate yourself on what you do achieve, rather than focusing on how far short of perfection this is.
Good luck!