Resolutions or habits for 2016?

As we wrap up the first day of the new year, I must ask…have you taken the first of many steps towards your New Year’s resolutions?

Did you go on that jog? Did you eat those healthy foods? You certainly didn’t smoke those cigarettes, right? Where did you volunteer?

There is just something to be said about starting off a new year with a clean slate. Have you ever considered that each morning you awake to a new day — also with a clean slate? This means you’ll have no troubles in sticking with that resolution tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.

But that’s not the reality, is it? The University of Scranton did a study on this and found that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Shocking? Not really.

The problems with these resolutions lie in the fact that they’re a sudden shock to the human system, cause a major conflict with our daily priorities and often times don’t define the necessary action steps.

The power of habit v. resolutions

Let’s say your resolution was to “lose 15 pounds by this time next year.” What did you do today that steered you in the direction of losing 15 pounds? Did you go for an extra long walk? Did you decide to not drink soda today? How about eating a salad for lunch? These are all small steps that can, if done over time, compound into big rewards.

I argue that it’s easier to resolve yourself to a few habits that you can do day after day (like going on a morning walk before heading into work) than it is to shoot for the stars with a vague statement (lose 15 pounds in ‘x’ months). Now, I’m not saying it’s easy to make these actions a consistent habit — it can be a real struggle when no immediate progress can be seen — but I can say that good habits taken up over the long term will lead to success.

Jeff Olson has a fantastic book out called The Slight Edge. It’s an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the power of habits and the power they have over massive success.

Onward

Tonight as we close out the first day of the new year, look over what you did today that led you a little closer towards your New Year’s resolutions. Pinpoint those specific steps you took. Consider making those steps a habit. Write your big New Year’s resolutions down on paper and staple it to the last month of your 2016 calendar and forget about it. Instead of focusing on the resolution, resolve yourself to making those steps you took today a habit — and keep it. I promise that you’ll be amazed at yourself at the end of this New Year.

Cheers.