When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, many people start with good intentions, but there are several downsides that can lead to failure or frustration. This is why we encourage our patients to start their health journeys in December rather than waiting for January. Here are some common downsides of New Year’s resolutions and why starting early might be the key to real success:
1. Too Much Pressure on January 1st
– Why it’s a problem: New Year’s Day is seen as a fresh start, but it often comes with immense pressure. Many feel they need to make drastic changes right away, which can be overwhelming.
– December benefit: Starting in December allows people to ease into new habits and routines without the “all-or-nothing” mentality. A gentler approach can lead to more sustainable, long-term changes.
2. Procrastination and Delays
– Why it’s a problem: Waiting until January often leads to a “I’ll start tomorrow” mindset. People are more likely to delay progress, thinking they have time to start later, but then might get discouraged by the delay or never start at all.
– December benefit: Starting now avoids procrastination. Making small, manageable changes in December can give a head start on health goals and lead to better results by January.
3. January Overwhelm
– Why it’s a problem: January is often a busy month filled with work commitments, financial stress after the holidays, and winter fatigue. Trying to implement big changes during an already stressful time can make resolutions hard to stick to.
– December benefit: By building momentum in December, you can approach January with habits already in place, making the transition smoother when life gets hectic.
4. Unrealistic Expectations
– Why it’s a problem: People tend to set ambitious and sometimes unrealistic goals for the new year, expecting rapid changes in a short amount of time. This can lead to disappointment when the results don’t come fast enough.
– December benefit: Starting in December allows people to set more realistic goals. They can take smaller steps and celebrate small victories early on, leading to better motivation and consistency.
5. Burnout from Cold-Turkey Changes
– Why it’s a problem: Going from zero to 100 with lifestyle changes (like cutting out sugar, hitting the gym 5 days a week, etc.) in January can cause burnout quickly. Many people give up by February because it’s too drastic.
– December benefit: By gradually implementing changes in December, people are less likely to burn out. They can start with lighter commitments, like adding one healthy meal a day or a short daily walk, and ramp up the intensity later.
6. Holidays as an Excuse to Overindulge
– Why it’s a problem: Many people use the holiday season as an excuse to overeat or let go of healthy habits with the promise of “fixing everything” in January. This creates a vicious cycle of bingeing and restricting.
– December benefit: Encouraging patients to start healthy habits in December can prevent the holiday overindulgence mindset. Instead of seeing the holidays as a period to “ruin” their health, they can focus on moderation and balance, making the transition to the new year easier.
7. Crowded Gyms and Diet Fads
– Why it’s a problem: In January, gyms are packed, and diet fads are everywhere. This can lead to frustration or a sense of competition, making it harder to focus on personal goals. People may also jump onto popular (but unsustainable) diet trends.
– December benefit: Starting in December means avoiding the January rush and diet traps. People can focus on their health without distractions and work towards sustainable lifestyle changes.
8. Health Declines During the Holidays
– Why it’s a problem: During the holiday season, many people feel sluggish, tired, and unmotivated due to overeating and lack of activity. Waiting until January to “fix” this can make it harder to get started when energy levels are already low.
– December benefit: Starting in December means people can prevent that post-holiday slump. Even small efforts like staying active or choosing fresh foods can keep energy levels up, making it easier to continue improving in January.
9. No Real Plan for Success
– Why it’s a problem: Resolutions are often vague (“I’ll lose weight” or “I’ll get healthy”), which makes them hard to follow. Without a structured plan, people often lose motivation and give up.
– December benefit: Starting in December gives people time to develop a concrete, achievable plan. They can experiment with what works for them and be prepared with a solid strategy by January.
10. Life Doesn’t “Magically” Change on January 1st
– Why it’s a problem: People often expect the new year to be a fresh start that will fix their problems. In reality, the same challenges will exist in January, and waiting can just delay progress.
– December benefit: Encouraging people to take action now shows that there’s no need to wait for an arbitrary date to improve their health. Positive changes can start at any time, and they’ll already be ahead when the new year arrives.
So, by starting health goals in December, you can avoid many of the common pitfalls of New Year’s resolutions. You’ll be more prepared, less stressed, and more likely to succeed in the long run.
Start your December plan with Dr. Liz Dalglish ND. She is kind, compassionate, and smart. Book your Free Meet the Doctor now or your Intake appointment online or call us at 705-792-6717. Let’s get after your goals!