“I’ll hit the gym,” said my friend, who weighed over a hundred kilograms, on New Year’s morning. I was astonished, as the words came from a person known for partying hard. He had partied harder on New Year eve with a bunch of friends.
“Is that your New Year resolution,” I asked. Yes! I need to correct the wrong I have done to me for so many years. He continued: “I will give up soft drinks, sugar, sweets… anything that adds weight, and I will eat only ‘health’ things.”
I have heard such resolutions for many years—in fact, I have also made a few. But they fizzle out soon.
We tend to set very high goals that feel like accomplishments themselves, but when initial excitement fades biology takes over. The brain naturally resists the discomfort of new routines.
Many of set unrealistic, overly broad goals, for example, “get fit” or “be happy” without a concrete plan. This leads to frustration and eventual surrender. Viewing a single slip-up as a total failure often causes people to quit entirely, rather than simply resetting the next day.
So, what’s the way out? Instead of resolution, opt for resolve that is a deeper commitment to becoming someone who values their fitness. Resolution assumes you’ll feel like doing the thing. Resolve expects you often won’t, and plan accordingly. Resolve also doesn’t need a calendar’s permission.