We all know it from ourselves or from our immediate environment… the good intentions for the new year. Does it work or is it nonsense? In short, what is the added value of New Year’s resolutions versus implementing the change sometime in the current year?
Judgement
Provided that you decide for yourself whether or not you are going to do something, an intention can work as a kind of measuring point for the person in question. That sounds general and vague, but you cannot generalize whether something works for you or not.
Where one person suddenly thinks of something and acts on it, the other has to prepare and then the new year is a good time to start, so a good measuring point. Judging how one person acts versus the other says more about the person who does it. has ready judgment, than on the one who has a purpose. However, there are major differences in the success rate of New Year’s resolutions.
subjects
It is typical that the majority of resolutions have to do with health and then the new year, as it turns out, is not the best time to stop. The health issues that need to be addressed are in particular:
- quit smoking
- stop or drink less
- eat healthier and/or less
- move more
This often has to do with a lifestyle and an associated mindset. That switch never just turns on at a moment that you have (rationally) determined in your head. It is not so much the willpower that appears to be lacking at some point, but the fact that you often cannot simply throw away a way of life. A way of life that is actually experienced as pleasant. Just the ratio that says it is not good for your body is usually not enough. In addition, the problems of an unhealthy lifestyle do not have any consequences in the prime of your life. It is therefore easier to set this intention again next year. Plenty of time, right?
In order not to write only negatively about these resolutions, it can also be said that persistence often wins in the end. We now know that if you have a health intention, it works after the 5th or 6th time.
Increase your chances of success
Inform those around you
Of course, there are some ways that can increase the chance of success. You can start by informing those around you, but immediately tell them what you do and do not expect from them if, for example, you make a mistake. Saying afterwards that someone is patronizing, if that person wanted to be the warner, is not justified and can even lead to an argument. Be clear in advance.
To organize
Source: Jill111, Pixabay
Organizing your plan well can also increase your chances of success. Start by writing it out clearly for yourself and then think about what it takes. If you want to eat healthier, it is good to have a number of healthy things at home. But don’t just empty the grocery store. Think carefully which fruits you like, which vegetables. If you are going to eat more oily fish, think about which fish you like, etc. In addition to being concerned with things that are tasty, you are also concerned with nutrition in general. This also means that you are consciously aware of what you are going to eat and what should be digested by your body. The chance that you will make a mistake later is slightly smaller, because you realize sooner that what goes into your mouth is rubbish and that there are excellent alternatives for it. So eat consciously!
Furthermore, you take smaller plates, bowls, bowls, etc. and if you like chips, then you just take a bowl of chips every now and then (in the new small container) or you buy a small bag. Denying yourself everything is counterproductive in many cases . Everything in moderation and the balance seeker offers a better chance of success than radical behavior.
Other intentions
No alcohol or nicotine, which means it’s not in the house either. Do not compensate with other bad things (for example in nutrition), but provide sufficient distraction. Having to keep your mind on other things can help in the process. Your body has to go through the process and within a week that initial need should have decreased. Your body processes the addictive part within 4 to 5 days, then another 3 weeks to get it out of your system. Drinking less is, for example, a drink with food or after dinner. Fixed moments help in this process and make sure that there are other tasty drinks ready when you previously had a drink. This also helps in the process. As a tea or coffee drinker, you look for new tasty types of tea or coffee. You can drink sugar-free soft drinks or have something dairy in the evenings. Milk, yoghurt, quart etc.
Successful
Resolutions other than those related to health are more likely to be successful. For example, agreements about using slightly more normal working hours, the hobby that should not take over or spending less money are easier. These types of resolutions usually have to do with something you agree on with someone else. It has become apparent that a sanction for relapse can also help.
Finally
But everything depends on your own approach, really going for something with full conviction, which ultimately works best. In fact, this can be done any time of the year. However, January 1 is a nice ritual to start the new year with the best feeling. And there is nothing wrong with that in itself.