The Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions, according to a study by the University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, are:
- Lose weight
- Get organized
- Spend less, save more
- Enjoy life to the fullest
- Stay fit and healthy
- Learn something exciting
- Quit smoking
- Help others in their dreams
- Fall in love
- Spend more time with family
Here’s a few interesting facts about resolutions.
Approximately 45% of Americans will make so called “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Only 8% of the population will be successful in their resolution.
As I wrote two years ago, I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions.
Instead, I’m a fan of living in the moment.
Regardless of whether it’s the beginning of a new year, week, month, or quarter, expect to make changes as you travel through 2014.
Be intentionally serendipitous about change.
Here are a few examples of what I’ve done in the recent past.
In October 2012, I challenged myself to take a yoga class for 30 consecutive days.
Here we are, 15 months later, and I’m doing various asanas including down dog, cobra, sun salutation, child, etc. three to four times a week at Dharma Yoga Syracuse. My overall health has greatly improved because of this challenge.
In the summer of 2013, I challenged myself to a vegan diet for 21 days. I did it just to see if I could do it. Proud to say I was able to complete the challenge. I learned a lot about food choices and lost over 20 pounds in the process.
Here’s another change that happened only last month. I hired Georgia Austin, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, to optimize my health. She’s helped me learn the importance of how fat and water percentage plays a role in my wellbeing. In addition, she’s designed a food consumption and supplement plan tailored for me and my overall goals.
The common thread running through all of these challenges are:
- When I felt the urge to make the change, it happened fast. I jumped into the pool without checking the water temperature.
- The change was in alignment with my values.
- Others knew I was making the change so I had accountability.
This has worked for me, and I’m not going to tamper with success.
I know the resolutions buffet looks attractive, appetizing, etc. But please. Please, please, please, only put on your plate what you’ll actually eat.
Happy New Year everyone.
I’ll leave you with this quote as you transition into 2014:
‘To be a consistent winner means preparing not just one day, one month or even one year – but for a lifetime.’ ~ Bill Rodgers
Cool photo thanks to Wonderlane.
Congrats on achieving many of your personal goals, Steve. It’s inspiring to see you take on challenges and succeed. You’ve set a great example to follow.
So, what’s your big resolution for 2014?
Good try Susan.
I don’t have a resolution. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by.
Happy New Year!
Steve, You’re a role model on taking on challenge spurts… which in a way is a bit of a resolution. What I’ve noticed with each of your stories is that you challenge yourself for a finite period of time, which seems doable… what’s been fun to watch from afar is the integration.
Good catch.
Yes, having a definite period of time has worked for me.
Happy New Year Karin!
Perfect examples of how “just doing” is what works best, rather than “just planning to do.”
Great article Steve.
Thanks Steve.