Why New Years Resolutions Suck

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time" -Abraham Lincoln

Take one day at a time, because looking to far into the future can derail what you are trying to accomplish today.  
This quote plays into the exact reason why resolutions fail. We look too much into future instead of focusing on one day at a time, getting better one day at a time.  

1% Better Every Day!

As we get towards the end of 2014, we look forward to what we want to accomplish in 2015.  What worked in 2014, what didn't work in 2014, what can I improve? Because we all want to improve something.  

Millions of Americans will set to create New Years Resolutions around this time, only to give up on them by March.  Why is that?
The issue that comes every year from setting New Years resolutions is that we set goals that are either too lofty or too vague.  Most often it lies with being too vague.  Starting an exercise program, eating healthier, creating a better financial situation, or whatever it may be creates a lack of specificity. And without specificity, its easy to get away from them.  

Or it could be that your are just not ready for change.  When January 1st hits, we all want to change.  But do you REALLY want change?  Are you prepared to take the necessary steps that need be done in order to get in better shape?
Change or being ready for change comes in phases:  

1. Precontemplation. No intention for change nor is aware of problematic behavior or may be let down by past failures.
2. Contemplation. Aware of the need for change and intends to take action, but isn't committed just yet. 
3. Preparation. Has decided to start changing behavior and has a plan of action, like going to AMP
4. Action. Has made changes by developing effective habits and behaviors.
5. Maintenance. Has made changes over the long haul and is working hard to prevent sliding back to their old ways. 

Where did you fall?  If you are like most people making resolutions, you are in stage 2 or 3.  Let AMP help you get to stage 4 & 5 by creating a training program for you and keep you accountable.

Another reason we struggle with our New Years resolutions is we want to change everything all at once.  We really lack the ability to focus on so many things at once.  Research has shown that when we try to change a single behavior at a time, the likelihood that we'll retain that habit for a year or more is better than 80%.  When we try two behaviors, our chances of success are less than 35%.  When we try three behaviors or more, our success rate plummets to less than 5%.  

That is why resolutions fail and
why resolutions are a waste of time!

Is it any surprise, then, that when we try to massively overhaul our lifestyle in short order, the changes simply don’t stick?  Of course not.  But, let’s be honest.  Most of us aren't known for being patient.  And most people who try to start an exercise or nutrition program want to be in shape, like, yesterday.

Finally, pick a behavior based goal.  Not one based on the outcome.  You can't control the outcome.  Avoid going into 2015 saying, "I want to lose "X" amount of weight in "Y" amount of time because what if you don't hit that mark? Do you just give up?  Behavior on the other hand is easily controlled by YOU!  
Every single day you have complete control on behaving in ways that take you towards your goals or away from them, so if the outcome doesn't happen, you can look at your behavior over the course of a month to see what you could have done different.  

Here's what I want you to do:

• Select one habit or behavior & ONLY one habit/behavior. Whatever you think will have the biggest impact on your life.
• Write down your plan. What steps do you need to take?
• Find someone to keep you accountable!
• Post Publicly:  For January, we want to use our white board to write your habit down so you are accountable to it

So what have we learned?  We need to pick ONE habit or behavior (because we can control behavior) and go with it. We need to ensure that our habit or behavior is specific and not just "eating healthier."  Get specific, for example "2 vegetables at every meal, or training 16 times in January"
Create more ease with your goal setting and I guarantee your "resolution" will be more successful.

Your final thing to do?
Write it down on our white board!!