The January rush at the gym is a bit of a farce. That’s why I’ve stopped making commitments to hit the gym. There’s something almost sheep-like about joining the crowd in making resolutions. If I know that many will be back to indulging in their favorite shows with snacks by February, what makes me think I’ll fare any better?
A few years back, I delved into why resolutions often fail for a parenting magazine. The most insightful perspective came from life coach Sarah Thompson, author of Awakening Your Best Self: Embrace Healthy Change and Live the Life You Desire. Thompson posits that “we’re conditioned to set resolutions based on what’s ‘wrong’ or needs improvement … resolutions often stem from critical thoughts and a touch of guilt.” Many of our resolutions focus on changing our bodies, and we often use self-criticism and guilt as motivation. Why do we treat ourselves so harshly?
Thompson advocates for framing New Year’s intentions instead of resolutions. Rather than declaring, “I will attend yoga classes three times a week and jog on non-yoga days” (not that I’ve ever made such a declaration—certainly not me), how about stating, “I intend to enjoy physical activity more because it feels wonderful to dance, jog, or take a brisk walk”? And when you inevitably stray from your path, try not to beat yourself up—after all, we all stumble. We choose intentions over resolutions because it’s far easier to keep promises to the part of ourselves that wants the best, rather than to the relentless critic in our heads.
This brings me to the only resolution that truly matters: Be kinder to yourself. That’s it. I’m committed to trying, and I hope you will be too.
P.S.: If you’re looking for a reason to skip the gym, consider this: fitness trackers and popular workout apps have revolutionized how we approach fitness. With platforms like MyFitnessPal, you can create a workout plan that suits you without the hassle of crowded gym equipment.
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In summary, moving away from the typical New Year’s resolutions and adopting a mindset of intentions can lead to a more compassionate and fulfilling approach to self-improvement. It’s about embracing positivity and being gentle with ourselves in the process.