Lifestyle changes take time–don’t let small fails stop you
If you’re still keeping your New Year’s Resolutions, congrats! You’re in the minority. A new study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Smart LifeBites parent Crispy Green found that by Feb. 1 most people have abandoned their New Year’s Resolutions. The poll surveyed 2,000 Americans and found another 68 percent throw in the towel even earlier, and one in seven Americans believe their resolutions are ill-fated from the start.
Main Reasons For Abandoning New Year’s Resolutions
Interestingly, the study also probed why people give up on their goals. The No. 1 reason cited was lack of discipline (52 percent), followed by busy schedules. Others blame not having enough time to see their resolutions through (43 percent). Pressure from society and peer groups was another common response.
Tell the world!: The study found that 41 percent of respondents tell others about their goals to make themselves more accountable. When my husband, oldest daughter and I gave up French fries in 2019, we informed close friends and family. It worked. With the exception of a weak moment–one of us was confused that perhaps sweet potato fries didn’t count–we succeeded in keeping our fast food fast.
If you know you need motivation to get into shape, consider telling your friends about your goals, hiring a fitness trainer or taking classes at the gym.
Beyond telling people, some 37 percent say they asked friends and professions for help. Some folks even say they’d pay for help, with the average person saying they’d pay $15,748.19 for someone (like a personal trainer) to help them keep their New Year’s Resolution.
If eating healthier is a priority, try prepping meals with fresh fruit and veggies. A smoothie made with these ingredients is a great way to start the day.
Life’s Little Failures Add Up: It’s not just major resolutions that people are quitting, three quarters say they’re failing at everyday things. Half say they struggle to eat healthy, while another 47 percent find it hard to live within their means or save for retirement (42 percent). Others say they can’t keep up an exercise routine (40 percent) or reduce spending (36 percent). This leaves people feeling disappointed and regretful, the survey found.
New Year’s Resolutions Help Effect Change:
So, while we might want to abandon Resolutions, more than two thirds from the survey say these goals have a positive impact on their lives. Some people even reported feelings of worry (67 percent) about what others would think about them if they give up a goal, one in five say they’re ashamed to tell others they’ve failed at a resolution.
Evaluate why you’ve failed and try again:
So, if you’ve quit a Resolution, figure out why. Try to organize your life to better achieve your goals; this story has some great ideas. Eating healthy is hard for many people. Make small changes like stocking your pantry and office with healthy snacks such as Crispy Green’s Crispy Fruit Freeze-dried fruit snacks, so you’re not tempted to eat chips or cookies. Even if you indulge in junk food once in while, don’t abandon your goals. Remember “Giving up is the only true way to fail.”
–Patty Yeager
