Albert Einstein once said that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I couldn’t agree more, especially when it comes to making New Year’s resolutions. For instance, some people wake up on January 1st and once again resolve to lose weight, or quit smoking, or eat healthier…and then give up a few weeks later because they’re stuck in the same half-hearted pattern that couldn’t help them achieve their goal the year before. Instead, they should analyze what didn’t work and create a game plan that will better suit their lifestyle, even if it means breaking up the goal into smaller steps.
For example, I know a lot of folks who decide to go on a diet at the start of the year. They shed the weight quickly, then decide to take it easy and wind up gaining the weight back and then some. Just look at Oprah Winfrey and Kirstie Alley.
If you decide to lose weight, you need to make it a permanent lifestyle change, not just something you try until five pounds have been shed. Enlist the help of a support group, nutritionist or personal trainer to hold you accountable. Don’t deny yourself everything—just do everything in moderation.
And remember, there’s no reason to save resolutions for the New Year. If you really want to change your life, start now! Life’s too short to be stuck with destructive habits.
Good luck!