Resolve to Not Resolve this New Year

New Years’ resolutions are great in theory, but if you’re part of the four-in-10 adults who can’t seem to keep a resolution, or the 70% who didn’t make them at all for fear of failing, then perhaps resolutions are more detrimental to your health than helpful. But the good news is, if you still really, really want to make a resolution this year, you can! And if you make it a little more within reach, you may just keep it.

For many people—especially busy people—the habit-forming required for most resolutions is too much to keep up with. Or, maybe the resolution itself is so broad that it feels impossible to attain. But by narrowing in and  making SMART goals—that’s specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—you’ll be more likely to stick to your goals. 

For example, instead of resolving to go to the gym every day, try something like this: Exercise with cardio for 15 minutes a day for one year to improve stamina.

That may seem like a small number, but even just 15 minutes can have tremendous health benefits. And, while going to the gym every day may not always be possible (although Hancock Wellness Centers can help with that on the days you can get there), there are plenty of simple, 15-minute exercises you can do right at home. 

Some of those 15-minute exercises include: 

Or, if even the 15 minutes feels impossible, you can do 5-minute increments throughout the day. The goal is specific (exercise with cardio), measurable (for 15 minutes a day), achievable (15 minutes a day is more achievable than a gym trip every single day), relevant (you want to improve your stamina), and time-bound (for one year). 

You can tweak your resolution however you’d like, but by following SMART goals and keeping things achievable based on your abilities and schedules, you’re more likely to keep your resolutions in the long run.

… then remember that failure isn’t a bad thing. It’s better to try and not hit your goal than not try at all. Even if you were to exercise for just five minutes instead of fifteen, that’s still five minutes of exercise you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Remember to celebrate the small wins, and the big ones, and give yourself plenty of grace, patience, and time. Change comes slowly, but with a little effort, you’ll get where you want to be.