The New Year’s Resolution that usually fails within the first month

It is that time of the year again when millions of people around the world make promises to do better and be better. 

Top of the list is usually “lose weight”, “get fit” or “join the gym”. 

New Year’s Resolutions are common at the start of January - despite many people not achieving any of the ones they set the year before. 

Unsurprisingly, a large number of people give up on their resolutions before the first month of the year is over. 

According to a study by the University of Scranton, 80% of people fail to achieve their resolutions.  

One study revealed that most throw in the towel by January 12. 

Here’s a look at why your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight fails and what you can do to achieve your goal. 

Operation lose weight in 2020

After trying and failing to beat the bugle during the festive season, many people will be rushing to join the gym in January. Losing weight is usually at the top of just about everyone’s resolutions list but studies have shown that most give up on this common goal by mid-January.

Setting unrealistic goals is one of the main reasons why many people’s desire to lose weight fails. Some make plans to go to the gym five times a week when they failed commit to one session a week previously. Others believe they will lose 10 kilograms in one month and get demotivated when that does not happen.

Nutrition & Dietetics Specialist Enas Shakkour told Share Care that the first step to losing weight is setting realistic goals.  

“I advise anyone who is trying to make a New Year's resolution to lose weight to resolve to make changes that are doable... If your New Year's resolution is achievable and realistic, you are more likely to stick to it,” she said.

Enas recommended making Resolutions such as: 

“- I will only drink water and low-calorie drinks.

- I will have a serving of sweets once a week.

- I will exercise at least three times a week.

- I will eat five servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit per day.”

Losing weight not only requires time but it also requires a mindset change. Instead of setting yourself up for failure with plans to become a gym junkie, start by making small changes. 

Take the stairs instead of the lift or commit to walking your dog every morning/afternoon for the whole month. 

You can also kick off your weight loss journey by doing fun workouts like dancing, hiking with friends or taking your bike for a spin along the promenade. 

Eating right is also a big part of maintaining a healthy weight. Buy a food diary and make notes about what you eat throughout the day, as well as when, where and why you usually eat at those times.

You don’t need to be a “new you” to have a successful 2020. Be kind to yourself when setting goals. 

Think about the areas you want to improve and then write down a step-by-step plan on how you will get there. 

Be realistic, track your progress, and don’t give up when things don’t go as planned. 

Dust yourself off and try again until you reach your targets. 

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