For the majority of us, new year's resolutions are like a childhood legacy. This year, Neha, a college-going girl, made a resolution to abstain from binging on weekends, but only one month has passed and she is unable to keep up with it. She ended up overeating the first weekend itself. It's a story for all of us. Isn't it? Every year we resolve to follow a healthy routine with 'ghar ka khana', and what happens next? More often than not, we frequently fall behind them. Why so? You guessed it right! It is because they are made simplistically, but that's not all. Experts say we aren't wired to do so.
Although our lifestyle has evolved, our brains remain prehistoric as they were when homo sapiens used to dwell in the wild. If we don't enjoy a task, we put it off for tomorrow due to our tendency of Hyperbolic discounting or present bias. We would instead opt for instant gratifications at the present moment like sweets, disregarding the long-term outcome of avoiding excessive sweets, which is a balanced blood sugar level.
Furthermore, status quo bias prevents us from altering our bad eating and exercise routines. We refrain from effort whenever we believe there is an alternative because of the effort paradox. If we believe we have the option to abandon that, we won't work out or avoid alcohol. Determination, constant self-reflection and awareness are the ingredients of the fitness recipe.
Resolutions are as benign as your chaat or momo wallas. It's not your fault if you can't control your sugar cravings, it's that trivial dopamine hits. All you need is to give yourself a more significant push. How? Here are some tips:
1. Keep your goals SMART
Your goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Keep your goals reasonable and realistic- after all, you can't lose 14 pounds in 7 days without starving yourself altogether. Don't forget to break your fitness goals into smaller SMART chunks because they are not only easier to stick to but also exceptionally successful in boosting motivation.
Also Read: New Year 2023: 6 Diet Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To
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2. Execute your goals
Motivational psychology research shows that preparing a fitness regime is not sufficient, actions are more crucial. Always keep this in mind- a long journey always starts with a single step. Be consistent, you'll have to toil in the gym to give your flabby stomach the muscle tones it deserves.
3. Find your source of motivation
If you are intrinsically motivated, congratulations! If you are not, no worries. Recruit your amigo as your cheerleader. Follow similar health enthusiasts on social media to keep you motivated. If they can achieve it, so can you.
4. Avoid negativity bias
We frequently place more weight on unpleasant experiences than on positive ones. However, self-sabotage is a simple thing to prevent. It takes time to break bad habits. So, be prepared for some rejection. It's absolutely okay if you occasionally forget to go to the gym or can't help but consume buttery but high-calorie food. After all, it's not wise to avoid Gujiyan during Holi.
5. Competition is a strict 'No No'
Don't compete with others to lose pounds and get muscular tones. You will end up making your journey miserable. Try to surpass yourself. A tiny lag is not the end of your fitness journey. Go steadily and be the tortoise, not the hare.
6. Celebrate your wins
Give yourself a pat on the back for each small step you've taken in your fitness quest. Don't forget to document every moment of your toil. It boosts motivation. For instance, if you have successfully maintained your diet and workout regimen, you deserve a samosa or ice cream once a week.
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7. Professional advice is the key
Social media and celebrities can be effective motivators but not instructors. Your body has a unique nutritional requirement. The optimal course of action will be recommended by professionals based on the needs of your body. Blindly following the internet can do more harm than benefit.
Also Read: Weight Loss: Expert Tips To Lose Belly Fat In A Month
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While breaking unhealthy habits is undoubtedly an unpleasant and challenging mammoth task, it isn't insurmountable. How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? Do let us know in the comment section below.