2023 is here!
Well, we made it to 2023! Last year was still a little bumpy as we dealt with the continued impact of a global pandemic and all the repercussions. But regardless, the world population hit eight billion this year-that’s a lot of people!
It’s that time of year when there is a high chance you’ll be asked, “So, what are your New Year’s resolutions?” For myself, I know I am going to make the absolute most of this new year! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have observed that every new year, there is a noticeable trend of people setting goals, making plans, and getting serious about getting organized and healthy. Then there is the drop-off. It happens for several reasons, but it usually happens to everyone.
According to Forbes, “approximately 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail”.
I’ll be honest, I’ve set resolutions that I’ve completely broken by the second week. The following studies provide some interesting insight into the reasons why new year’s resolutions fail:
- In one 2014 study, 35% of participants who failed their New Year’s Resolutions said they had unrealistic goals.
- 33% of participants who failed didn’t keep track of their progress.
- 23% forgot about their resolutions.
- About one in 10 people who failed said they made too many resolutions.
So, How to Achieve Your New Year Resolutions!
Goals and resolutions are an important part of creating new healthy habits and it’s essential to stay on track with those resolutions.
So, here are 6 tips to make sure that you follow through on your 2023 new year’s resolutions.
1. Set specific and realistic goals.
If you’ve resolved to lose 50 pounds in 2023, that’s great! But be realistic about how much weight you can reasonably lose in a healthy way. The same goes for other goals – don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic targets. Create a reasonable goal and stick to it!
2. Have an accountability partner.
To make sure that you’re following through on your resolutions, it’s helpful to have someone holding you accountable. How many times have you told yourself you were going to do something and then never got around to it? Therefore, some people need things like personal trainers—they need someone to keep them on track. Tell others about your resolutions. Telling friends and family about your plans for the coming year can help hold you accountable – they can encourage and support you and keep an eye on your progress (or lack thereof!)
3. Keep Track your progress.
If you make multiple resolutions, you can easily forget them! Make a small list of goals, keep them reasonable, and create a system to keep track of your progress on each. Even something simple like keeping a journal is helpful to document your progress. Schedule monthly check-ins to make sure you stick to this routine. Don’t give yourself an excuse like “I’m too busy” or “I’ll do it next year”. Don’t wait!
4. Reward yourself.
If you reach a goal, or when you complete a resolution, make sure you reward yourself! There’s a reason only 20 percent of resolutions are kept. Whether small or big, rewards make it easier to get through those resolutions and give you something to work toward.
5. Do a half year check-in.
In the gym or dieting, the first month is always the hardest, but by 6 months you should be well on your way to reaching your goals. Write it on your calendar–June 1st, halfway check-in. Tell your accountability partner about this date as well, so they can ask you how it’s going.
6. Get help.
If you’re having difficulty or struggling to fulfill your resolutions, ask for help! You are certainly not alone – all of us have moments when we need assistance. Enlist the help of an expert or specialist. Is there a health-related goal? See a doctor. Or nutritionist. Or a physical therapist. Here at Natural Fit Therapy, our mantra is “We help people stay active, healthy, and independent without surgery or pain pills.” We help our patients attain the active lifestyle they want and partner with them to maintain their goals.
Have a very happy 2023 and Good luck!
Are you looking for a physical therapist or personal trainer who will hold you accountable? Call our office at 512-730-0231 and claim a FREE Discovery Visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This is a 20–30-minute session with one of our doctors to find out more about your condition and how we can help! It’s no pressure, and after you’ll have a better idea of how we can help you stay healthy, active and independent. Let us help you make 2023 your best year yet. Take advantage of all the exciting opportunities that come with being your best self.
