Unresolved about New Year resolutions

On December 30th, early in the morning, I will be interviewed on CBC radio about my thoughts on New Year's resolutions. This blog is part of my preparation for the 5-minute interview, and I'd like to hear your thoughts, too!

What is a New Year's resolution?

The New Year traditionally and metaphorically symbolizes a new beginning and a fresh start.  We have many such symbols: the phoenix that rises from its ashes, the caterpillar that emerges as a butterfly, and the snake that sheds its old skin.

January 1 can mark the start of a new chapter in your life -- a chance to start over. Starting the year with a renewed sense of hope and optimism is both motivating and energizing.

Should I make New Year's (NY) resolutions?

As I see it, resolutions at any time of the year are useful.  So if you appreciate having a high profile start date and can use the time leading up to the New Year to strategize on how to succeed, I say go for it!  NY resolutions can help you kick off a bold new plan.

NY resolutions are especially good if you are:

• Single-minded in the pursuit of achievements.
  
• Disciplined and in the habit of working hard to get what you want.
  
• Oriented towards a long-term goal such as completing an ironman competition, climbing Kilimanjaro, or saving money for a big goal.

NY resolutions are not ideal if you like to inch your way towards change, making gradual refinements over time. So don't make them if you:

• Are not disciplined, determined, single-minded and resolute.
  
• Don't like to make hard core decisions to do or not do something.
• Have tried too many times and failed and your self-worth is prone to being damaged by failed NY resolutions.

I see two choices:

• Don't make any - this is the easiest option and the default setting for many.
  
• Make NY resolutions - follow the points below and you’ll have a greater chance of success.

Prepare mentally. Changing behavior is not easy, at all. If you are sitting on the fence, don't make any NY resolutions. You are better off reading up on the subject of interest (exercise, diet, finances, procrastination, you name it), reflecting on the benefits, and considering the long-term consequences of not making a change.   

Set realistic goals. You might want to lose 15 or 50 pounds, but the key is translating that into a series of smaller and highly makable goals. For example, start with one of the ideas below and gradually add others:

• Take healthy lunches to work.
• Climb stairs at work or in the subway.
• Plan and prepare meals so you don’t come home starving and eat everything in sight.
• Stop buying junk food.
• Learn how to relax so when feeling stressed, eating isn’t the first impulse.

Change via the tweak. Change is not an all or nothing proposition. Small and frequent, or little and often, can result in significant changes for the better.

Recognize when you are slipping back into old ways. Slipping up is part of the human conditions, so just make adjustments and keep on.

Resolution solutions

if you want support this New Year, you know where to find me.

Wishing you all the best in health and happiness in the New Year,
Coach Minda

---

On New Year Resolutions

• Listen to CBC daybreak interview: https://soundcloud.com/minda-miloff/cbc-day-break-new-years-resolutions - Dec 30th, 2016
• Watch CTV at Noon interview: http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1026950 - January 2, 2017