A New Way to Think About New Year's Resolutions
It’s 2024, baby 💫
We’re obsessed with re-inventing ourselves.
We convince ourselves that we need to shed old skin to make room for the bigger, better, brighter versions.
No better time for this to peak than the beginning of the year - enter the infamous New Year’s resolutions!
Today, we’re chatting about the myth of new year’s resolutions, intentions, and how to set goals that stick.
Year after year, we enter January promising to be a better, brighter version of ourselves.
But apparently, these resolutions are reported to have an 80% failure rate. This old study following 200 participants found that only 19% maintained resolutions past the two-year mark.
Okay, this is murky data, I’ll be the first to admit. But I think the general implication is that new year’s resolutions aren’t always sustainable.
Perhaps you can relate to this:
January - “This is THE year I’m going to take back my health”
March - “I’ll start again next week...
June- “Summer break - woot! I’ll start again in September”
September - “I’m too busy with work/school/kids...”
December - “But it’s the holidays! Next year will be my year”
Personally, new year’s resolutions have always seemed stiff. I get it, the global excitement and promise of a “new you” is alluring. But time and time again, I see people stuck in a hamster wheel of “new year new me”, only to be discouraged and defeated a few weeks/months in. Then commit to hop back on board next January.
Here’s the thing: your life, and thus health, is fluid, not fixed. The best time to “start” your journey? Now. Actually, scratch that. You’re already in your journey!
I love personal growth and goal-setting, but what if we reframed hardcore resolutions to gentle intentions?
Intentions are guiding principles, mental states for how you show up in this world. They’re gentle and qualitative. They shift the mindset, expanding for more flexibility, compassion and creativity. All of which will serve you for life. I challenge you to approach your goals this year with a bit more fluidity, and compassion for yourself and others.
Here’s an example of this simple shift towards intentions:
Resolution: “I will stop eating added sugar this year, and only focus on minimally processed foods.”
Intention: “I will enjoy more minimally processed foods as part a diet that allows all foods. If I want sweets, I will be able to enjoy them without feeling like I’m spiralling out of control.”
Resolution: “I will get up every morning in 2024 to exercise, and follow it with a healthy, protein-rich breakfast.”
Intention: “I intend to be kind to my body this year by moving and nourishing myself at all times, including times of stress. This can look like exercising in the mornings and having a balanced breakfast.”
Let me emphasize that there’s nothing wrong with resolutions. But in my experience, the latter mindset is more powerful starting point for true lifestyle changes and wellbeing.
It’s like a map. Once that’s established, then we can move towards the measurable resolutions/actions.
How to Set Healthy Intentions for the New Year:
First off, remember that you don’t have to do this. New year’s is arbitrary. You can set intentions any time of year. But, if like to take this time to reflect and engage, then read on!
Look inwards. Here’s some prompts that may help you focus:
What do you value in health and life?
How do you want to feel around food?
How do you want to feel in your body?
What do you need to change to feel this way?
You are enough. I truly believe accepting this is health at its core. Believing that you, where you are at right now, is enough and fully deserving of love and security. Everything else, like healthy eating, is just extra. With that in mind, what do you want to add to your life?
Revisit your intentions often. Whether this is daily, weekly, monthly. When in doubt, re-centre on this and the rest will fall into place.
And just for fun, here are my intentions for 2024:
Ironically, exist and be grateful for the now, rather than continually striving for more (professionally and personally).
Further my knowledge and work towards health equity, starting with more providing more inclusive care for those with hormone disorders and eating disorders.
Create a safer space for clients to explore, engage and increase self-efficacy in managing their health.
Remember, your healthy living journey is fluid, not fixed. It doesn’t have to be tied into the beginning and end of a year. Life just goes on! Focusing on reflection and intention is a gentler way to build healthy habits.
Find what works for you! Sending my love for the new year ahead
Ready to feel good around food and nourish your body?
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Hi! I’m Trista
A Registered Dietitian and reproductive health expert. I’m here to help you gain confidence to overcome your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and digestive health woes, while bettering your relationship with food.
