Although for some folks in my circle of co-workers, cronies, and training partners, the New Year’s resolutions list has become passe, I think there is still value in making one.
Detractors may say the list is just a way of highlighting how messed up your life has become. Others say that you can change your life anytime. You don’t need a date on a calendar to do it.
Let me challenge those thoughts by examining briefly the first argument. While some may think of a list of resolutions is sort of like a ledger of failure, having a concrete list of things that ain’t workin’ for you is not a bad thing. Taking a sober look at your life on a regular basis is time well-invested. Furthermore, by you making the list, rather than having it imposed on you by some hostile third party (girlfriend, boyfriend, parent, employer) you may have more intrinsic motivation to succeed.
Plenty of research suggests intrinsic motivation is effective to affect long-term change. Humans are, however, pack animals. This is where extrinsic motivation comes in. Once again, this is when a list of New Year’s resolutions may be a helpful first step on the way to positive change. Let’s face it, January the first is the start of a new year. The Christmas season is over. A lot of other people are also inspired to make change in their lives at this time. Why not capitalize on the inertia and join that swell of change. Having a group of like-minded co-workers or friends to motivate you and hold you accountable in those critical first weeks may make the difference between success and failure. Groups like the one below are great sources of positive peer support.
Take a look at the folks around you who you know well and are comfortable sharing your New Year’s goals with, and then do it. You can use each other as motivation and consolation along your path to awesomeness. And if you have a success story of making any long-term change in your life, whether it was a New Year’s resolution or not, let us know about it on our comments section. For the Fit Tip of The Week, I’m Kevin Heinze.