Why your new year’s resolution fails and what to do instead

I venture to guess your New Year’s Resolution(s) is one or more of the following:

• To lose # pounds
• Exercise more
• Find a new job
• Start a new hobby
• Eat more healthily
• Learn a new skill
• Quit something

These are all noble pursuits, but have you asked yourself “Why?”? Why do you want to reach this particular new year’s resolution? Let’s go with the most popular: losing weight. Typically, people have a number. We’ll say you want to lose 30 pounds.

I’ll set the scene:

It’s December 31st and you’re at brunch with your friends sharing your New Year’s Resolutions. Everyone’s going around the circle saying they want to do this and that and it’s your turn. You say, “I want to lose 30 pounds,” and everyone’s stoked for you, like, “Yeah! Go get it!” “That’s a great goal!” “Good for you!” You’re feeling jazzed and motivated, thinking, “I’ll drop 30 pounds like it’s hot!”

You go home and share that with your family now that you’re excited about the conversation earlier. Your family is happy for you too and offer words of encouragement. Sweet! Look at all this support I have! you think to…