As January comes into full swing, everyone goes back to work. There are calls to make, files to fill, and you know it's never to early to think about Valentine's Day. Haven’t we all forgotten something though? Oh right, about a month ago, all the way back in the beginning of January, you made those long forgotten 2014 New Year’s Resolutions.
Every year across the nation people make New Year’s Resolutions to better their life and make the most out of the upcoming year. However, as great as it may sound to tell yourself, “This year will be different,” what are you truly changing? More importantly, why do you wait until New Years?
The number one resolution in the U.S. year after year is to lose weight. In January, the gym is packed with those over-indulgent, holiday food lovers. There is a rough 12% increase in new memberships this year and in the most extreme cases, some clubs have seen drastic increases of memberships anywhere from 30%-50%.
However, those enthusiastic and overweight Americans lose their drive quickly when they remember how comfy the couch is. According to the International Health Raquet & Sports Club Assosiation, 50% of new members quit within the first six months. Only eight percent of people can proudly say they have achieved their New Year’s Resolutions.
Year after year, we find ourselves lying on the couch again saying, “Maybe next year I’ll try again…” Obviously, everyone makes resolutions he or she has trouble keeping, whether it be spending more time with the family or spending money wiser. But these problems did not surface just before the clock struck midnight, so why don’t you fix the problem when you realize it? Waiting until the New Year only delays the issues which become worse overtime.
Every day, you have the opportunity to change the issues at hand, but you have to remain realistic. Stop promising too much to yourself. You know some of your goals are most likely farfetched considering your current condition. Deciding you are going to stop spending completely and hoard the money in your starved piggy bank is ridiculous, same as suddenly going to the gym every day when all you’ve spent the majority of your free time playing solitaire at work.
Start with small goals, like taking a quick walk around the neighborhood or putting a little money aside. Once those goals are achieved, build off of them until you can stick to a gym membership or take that fat piggy to the bank! You will be more satisfied and happy with the results.
