Results Not Resolutions: Why 'New Year New Me' Doesn't Work

Every year, when the New Year rolls around, many of us make resolutions and promise to get fitter and healthier. The ‘New Year New You’ fitness trend sees millions of people flooding gyms with intense enthusiasm and countless social media posts and selfies about how ‘this year is my year’. But sadly, this surge in motivation often doesn’t last past January.

 

The main reason why the majority of New Year New You enthusiasts fail to stick to their health goals is because they don’t go in with a realistic plan or goal in mind. The focus on transforming one’s entire body overnight makes it too ambitious to achieve — and when the results don’t appear right away, instead of adjusting their approach most give up altogether. We must recognise that healthy lifestyle changes are not something that can happen overnight; long-term commitment is required for any lasting transformation!

 

Making tiny, achievable daily steps will help you reach your long-term sustainable goals — although it may seem small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, these little victories can really add up over time resulting in significant progress.

 

Here are a few small things you can do to see huge gains long term.

 

Lift a bit heavier each week

 

If gaining muscle is one of your long term goals (if it’s not it should be), then set yourself a number to increase your weights by each week. Anywhere between one and ten percent each week will see you get stronger and fitter quickly, any more than that and you’re overdoing it and are likely to injure yourself, so keep the weekly increase to a single figure percentage.

Set a routine

 

Get used to your new routine. It’s not going to happen overnight, but the more you commit, the more changes you’ll see and feel. If you’re not big on early mornings, don’t try and aim for an early workout every day, try a few different times and see what suits you, when you have the most energy; when it’s most convenient for you based around work and personal commitments. Don’t start a routine that will be impossible to stick to after a few weeks.

 

Drink more water

 

It’s cliché at this point, but gradually swap out fizzy drinks, juices and calorie-heavy energy drinks for water; the benefits are absolutely endless if you can get to a point where the majority of fluid you consume is straight water, it’s one of the simplest and easiest things you can do to improve your health. AND it’ll save you money!

 

Get more sleep

 

Get your arse to bed at a reasonable hour as much as you can, sleep isn’t for the weak, the heaviest lifters and fastest runners all prioritise a good night's sleep because of the numerous physical and mental health benefits it brings. You’ll be smarter, in a better mood and far more likely to get that workout in when you’re finished at work after a good night’s rest.

 

By setting smaller targets focused on building better habits over a longer period will help you stay motivated on your journey and provide a sense of accomplishment which is more rewarding than any quick fix solution!

 

It’s also important to remember that getting fit isn't about punishing yourself for overindulging during the holiday season — it's about finding a balance that works best for your body and lifestyle. This could be taking up a regular physical activity like running or dancing; or swapping out unhealthy snacks and fizzy pop for lower calorie equivalents like nuts, fruits and good old water. Whatever route you take should be tailored specifically to you — not some generic fitness routine from an online post (except for ours).

 

Don't let being overwhelmed by all the ‘New Year New You’ hype discourage you from achieving your fitness goals this year. Instead, focus on changing your mindset: think about long-term commitment as opposed to short-term expectations; establish daily habits that work best for you; practice self-care; focus on better sleep; set realistic goals; and go easy on yourself when (not if!) you inevitably slip up along the way! Achieving success takes time — start off small by deciding what changes you want to make in 2023, then gradually build upon them throughout the calendar year. With determination, patience and proper planning, anything is possible!