As the calendar turns to January, many people begin the annual tradition of making their New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most of those folks are bound to be disappointed. According to US News & World Report, 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February. (Some stats say 1 in 4 people won’t make it a week!) I think it’s a mistake to start New Year’s resolutions in January. Here are three reasons why you should wait until February to start your resolutions.

# 1 You’re still recovering from the holidays

The first reason you should wait is that you’re probably still recovering from the holidays. Thanksgiving is the start of a six-week whirlwind of activity that doesn’t end until after January 1. The work demands of year-end deadlines and personal demands of shopping, travel, and dealing with relatives can make even the most organized and productive person frantic and stressed. By the time the holidays are over, you feel like a deflated balloon. Take it easy the first few days to allow yourself to rest and ease your way into your post-holiday routine. Which brings me to…

#2 Find your new “normal”

The second reason you should wait to start on your resolutions is that after the holidays, you have to find your new “normal.” The new year often brings change with new schedules and duties. Figure out your new schedule and routines before you add in the challenge of your resolutions.

 #3 Watch and learn from others

The third reason to wait is that if you wait you can watch what other people do for their resolutions. You see what works and what doesn’t and apply that knowledge to your resolutions. 

We’re one month into 2019 and many of our plans and resolutions have already hit the wall of reality. Interruptions and unexpected problems have derailed your progress or maybe even kept you from getting started.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Sixty-four percent of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions before February. So what do you do?

The Super Bowl is this Sunday. Suppose one team quickly scores two touchdowns in the first quarter, putting the opposing team immediately in a hole. What does the coach of the losing team do in that situation? Does the losing team give up on their goal of winning a championship because they didn’t start the game as they’d hoped? No. The coach calls timeout, pauses the game to stop the momentum against his team. He takes the opportunity to remind his players of the game plan and to make any adjustments that might be needed. He sends his team back out onto the field, with the message that they still have plenty left in the game.

So if your resolutions aren’t off to the start you’d hoped for, you don’t have to give up on your goals. Call a timeout. Pause, take a breath and remind yourself of two things: your game plan and the fact that you have plenty of time to get back on track.

The start of the new year often prompts people to make goals and resolutions for the coming year. Choosing the goal is usually easy. Sometimes the goal chooses you. (Anyone step on a scale or check their bank balance recently?) [Read more…]