Many of us make resolutions at the strike of midnight on 31 December, promising: ‘New Year, New Me’, as the new year rolls in.
However, it’s said that almost all of us will give up on our new year’s resolutions before the end of January.
To help, experts suggest reframing – ditching goals and opting for habits instead.
“New year’s resolutions can be more harmful than helpful, especially when they are unrealistic,” says dietitian Susie Burrell who also holds a Master’s in Coaching Psychology.
“Instead of focusing on some distant goal to feel happy, building habits bit by bit gives you frequent little wins to keep you motivated.”
Top tips for creating productive habits
Ms Burrell provides her top tips for creating productive habits to help reach your goals.
- Focus on one goal at a time
“Often we over-commit and then become frustrated when we do not achieve all the things we wanted to. Focusing on one small goal at a time, for example, planning or prepping your food the night before, or getting to the gym 3-4 times each week will help to pace your goal achievement in the midst of busy lives.”
- Recruit support
“Working on a goal with a friend or family member can be a great way to get the day-to-day support you need to help keep you on track and motivated.”
- Choose goals you actually like
“If you hate the gym, having a goal of going to one is unlikely to be successful. When it comes to diet and exercise habits you need to like the diet plan, and the type of exercise you are needing to commit to.”
- Keep accountable
“Whether it is to your friend, a health professional or to your MyFitnessPal tracker, self-monitoring and being accountable is a significant predictor of goal attainment.”
- Drop the ‘all or nothing’ mindset
“Health and well-being are not about perfection but rather consistency. So instead of throwing in the towel when you go off track, commit to getting back on the next meal or the next day.”
Staying on track with MyFitnesspal
With almost half (44%) of Australians trying a resolution in 2023 that they’ve broken in the past, global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnesspal is launching its Jumpstart Your Health program, which will coach users through the first 14 days of the year – focusing on habits that work.
To find out more about the Jumpstart Your Health program and help keep track of your nutrition and exercise, download MyFitnessPal on Apple, Google and other android platforms.
