Happy New Year!
I don’t know about you, but my social media feeds have been overflowing with people’s reflections on last year and talks of the year ahead.
There’s something about these first few days of January that has us all feeling a desperate need to map out a path for the next 360 odd days of the year. This is usually fuelled by all the self-improvements we feel we need to make.
Wherever you’re at with any resolution making, here are my top 20 new year’s resolutions you should avoid making in 2020.
1. “I’m going to lose X amount of weight.”
Focus on moving more and eating better instead.
2. “I’m going to stop eating X, Y and Z.”
You don’t need to cut out all your favourite foods to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Everything in moderation.
3. “I’m going to start such and such a fad diet.”
Going on a drastic diet will always be unsustainable in the long run and ineffective in the long run.
4. “I’m going to meet someone/get engaged/start a family etc.”
These types of milestones cannot be planned. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for why we tend to obsess over reaching them before a certain age. Don’t place this type of pressure on yourself.
5. “I’m going to see my friends more.”
Of course, this is a lovely thing to say you want to do. The problem is there is a reason you don’t see your friends all the time. Think back to the last time you tried to make arrangements…remember how hard it was? Everyone is so busy and it can be difficult to align schedules with one friend let alone a group of friends. Make an effort with friends, check in on them, but don’t worry if you can’t see them as much as maybe you used to.
6. “I’m going to quit all of my bad habits by the end of the year.”
Habits are formed from consistency. Don’t expect to be able to change your behaviour so quickly and easily. It’s hard to break routine. I’m not saying don’t aim to break bad habits, I’m just saying be realistic with what can be achieved in a year’s time frame. Also, don’t give up if it takes longer.
7. “I’m going to set the same resolution I set myself last year without changing my approach.”
If you didn’t achieve the resolution last year, what’s going to be different about this year? Obviously, something didn’t work. Don’t just expect to say, “I’m on it this time” and expect different results. Something fundamental about the resolution or the parameters of it need to change.
8. “I’m going to reinvent myself.”
Whilst there’s nothing wrong with changing your hairstyle or your clothes, don’t feel that you need to change aspects of your personality to please others or become more attractive to others.
9. “I’m going to work out every day.”
This is unnecessary and can actually be detrimental to your progress. Rest days are equally as important as workout days.
10. “I’m going to sign up to a 12-month gym contract when I’ve never been to the gym before.”
It won’t be a good deal if you end up never going!!! Try out the gym first and see if you enjoy it before financially committing yourself.
11. “I’m going to get the house done up.”
One thing I’ve learnt since becoming a home owner is that DIY timescales need plenty of flexibility! Why? Because DIY is not only a drain on your time, it’s a drain on your finances! Free time and spare money are 2 resources that are incredibly hard to come by!
12. “I’m going to work harder.”
If you’re the type of person who’s likely to set yourself this resolution, you’re probably working hard enough already! Remember, you’re one person!
13. “I’m going to reach X number of followers on social media.”
Fixating on how many strangers follow your Instagram account is unhealthy. Likes do not measure your worth.
14. “I’m going to make this year the best year yet.”
A resolution like this is far too general and bold and may well end up in disappointment. There will always be outside factors you have no control over. Also, you don’t want to be comparing everything you do to what you did last year. You should go into the new year with fresh eyes.
15. “I’m going to commit to get fit by buying the best tech and equipment around.”
You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, a home gym and all the latest gadgets just to get fitter.
16. “I’m going to do 10,000 steps a day.”
It turns out the 10,000 figure was plucked out of the air. We should all be aiming to move more in our day to day lives but don’t fixate on attaining a certain number of steps every day – we all need rest days!
17. “I’m going to be happier this year.”
Remember it’s OK to not be OK.
18. “I’m going to live life to the fullest.”
Whist this initially sounds like a great resolution, you don’t want to head into the new year with the intention of filling every single free day with plans. You will end up worn out and exhausted.
19. “I’m going to try something new every day.”
Committing to doing anything every day is setting yourself up for failure.
20. “I’m going to make a million and one resolutions.”
If you are going to make resolutions, don’t get carried away and aim to accomplish everything in one year! It’s unrealistic and will probably result in disappointment and a feeling of failure.
