Why Wait?!

Since there are less than two weeks until January 1, I’m guessing many of you have started thinking about that once a year declaration – the good ole New Year’s resolution!  Every year I hear people say that they will do something different, but the outcome is generally the same – nothing!  I am not trying to be negative, but statistically nearly 80% fail by January 20! I believe one of the biggest reasons most people can’t stick to their resolution is because they go into it blindly and without a plan. The most common resolutions I hear are to become physically fit, lose weight, stop smoking, quit drinking, and get out of debt.

Why wait until New Year’s to make a resolution?  What is so magical about January 1, anyway? Don’t put off achieving goals that are important to you. Instead, plan the steps necessary to accomplish them now.  For example, if you want to lose weight, why put it off? Waiting another two weeks during the holiday season puts you at risk for ringing in the New Year with extra pounds, and we all know we don’t want that! The rule of thumb is it takes 21 days to develop or change a habit, so if you start today you’ll have a jump start on your resolution and can get a head start before the crowds break down the gym doors to shed the holiday weight they gained this season.

One resolution I made started last week, and it’s not exactly a New Year’s resolution. I guess you could call it a holiday season resolution – to start the year having gained no weight throughout the holidays.  Yes, I know, I should have thought of this before Thanksgiving, but better late than never, RIGHT?!  I have been going to several holiday parties and sometimes the temptations are too hard to resist – the pies, the cookies, and all the sweets that I have such a hard time saying no to. I decided to stop eating sweets until after the New Year. Why? Because I know I don’t usually crave sweets (unless they’re staring back at me) or keep them around the house during the year. If I can make it through the next couple of weeks without giving in to all the temptation on the dessert table, I will start my year without any extra baggage on the scale. I was put to the test twice this weekend and although it was much easier said than done, it felt great knowing I had the will power to not give in. So give it a try – create your plan and hold yourself accountable!