The Worst Month for Resolutions

It’s the New Year, and you have resolved to turn a new leaf.  After the excesses of the holiday season over the past two months, you are ready to lose weight for good. 

I applaud you for your resolve, and for your renewed commitment to health. You CAN lose those pesky pounds and become more comfortable and confident with a healthier life. At one time in my life, I made the courageous decision to change, too.

There are only a few problems with starting a resolution in January. In a cold, northern state like Minnesota, motivation is low and barriers are high. That is probably the reason why 80% of people who resolve to lose weight in January give up their resolve by February.

Does that sound like you?

Here are my top 10 reasons why January is the WORST for resolutions:

1. You joust with the other fitness warriors in the cold, dark gym parking lot to even find a spot. That’s 20 minutes after scraping the snow and ice off your car before even hitting the road.
2. You wait 40 minutes in a line at the treadmill just to get a 20-minute session.
3. Those holiday leftovers, candy and treats are staring you in the face every time you open the fridge. And, your office mates keep plying you with even more delights.
4. Eating clean is nearly impossible during the cold, winter months, when the best produce is scarce, and visits to the grocery store are less frequent.
5. How many people do you see making salad when the snow flies? Comfort foods are at their peak when temperatures are low. The cheesier and more substantial, the better.
6. Everyone and their mother’s brother is encouraging you to join this fitness challenge, this gym, or buy this weight loss product. With so many overwhelming choices, how do you know which one is right one for you?
7. Running outside in the snow and ice is no joke, and requires additional gear you may not have. Not to mention the need to have two pairs of running shoes- one for indoor use and one for outdoor use.
8. Shorter daylight hours encourage you to curl up on the couch with a blanket by the fire, and forget to prep your healthy meals for lunch the next day (Get started with easy ways to make healthy breakfasts)
9. When your morning alarm rings, the last thing you want to do is hop out of your warm, comfortable bed into the cold, dark room. Plus, your mate is snoozing away to glory next to you.
10. There is a reason why most animals hibernate during the winter.

I’m not saying you should ditch your weight loss goals.  What I am saying is you should be realistic when it comes to your long-term success. If you have always made a New Year’s resolution, but find yourself repeating the same resolution year after year, perhaps it’s time for a new approach.

For the month of January, take time to REST. That’s right. Decompress after your long holiday, give yourself some time to reflect on the patterns that caused you to want to lose weight, and WAIT.

One month more is not going to change your commitment to your health. In fact, rushing to act may work against you. Remember that stress and lack of sleep can lead to weight gain.

February is all about heart health.  Love yourself enough to rest through January. It has been a busy holiday, and no one can conquer their goals when they are not fully energized or ready for action.

If you are ready for action, start with a calorie-free health chat. In this 30-minute complimentary session, we discuss how to overcome your number one challenge today. Not tomorrow, on Monday, or next January. Today.

Even if you are resting throughout January, sign up for email updates AND get my monthly newsletter packed with secrets to achieve your health goals today. I believe in your success.