ATLANTA – If you’re like most people, you’ve made New Year’s resolutions that you’ve already broken, or you will soon.
The new year means gym membership are soaring as we commit to a better, healthier life. But New Year’s resolutions are often short-lived.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Paula Bloom tells us many people try to accomplish too much at once. They set unrealistic goals like visiting the gym six times a week.
“Then when you feel like you’re falling short, you often give up,” says Dr. Bloom. “Well, I didn’t go to the gym, it’s day four, what’s the point?”
Dr. Bloom says many people fail to prepare themselves beyond the honeymoon phase. They’re excited and enthusiastic at first then they’re shocked when their new lifestyle is no longer fun.
Sticking to a resolution requires you to realize it’s going to be work.
“You have enthusiasm at first, that’s great, but that fades pretty quickly,” says Dr. Bloom.
Dr. Bloom says you got to ask yourself your own “why” question—Why are you doing this? If you make a resolution just to make a resolution, you won’t stick to it.
Psychologists say come up with a plan for success and don’t let one setback convince you to give up.
For more answers to Why, click here.