It’s Quitting Time: Resolution or Bust

Is it about that time? The time you start saying, “I’m not seeing results. I should just quit.”

Let’s be truthful here – quitting is the easy way out. Making changes takes real work. It takes planning, preparation, and sincere effort to do what you said you were going to do in the first place.

So it’s time to be honest with yourself… First, are you really putting in the work, and for some reason the work is just not working for you? Second, are you really acknowledging the progress you’ve probably made, or are you too focused on the end result to see what’s in front of you?

Let’s talk about why you may not be seeing the results you want and what you can do about it.

Why is my plan not working?

Your goal is too broad.

A goal to “be healthier” can encompass a lot of pieces. What does “being healthy” mean to you? Are you trying to lose weight, eat more fruits and vegetables, or exercise more? The definition of health and healthy living varies from person to person. Decide what your true goal is and then identify how you can support that vision.

Your goal is unrealistic.

While losing 50 pounds in 4 weeks mayyy be possible (if you’re a contestant on Biggest Loser), it’s really not probable. Setting goals that will challenge you but that you can also reasonably achieve is important. If you know it’s within the realm of possibility (and doesn’t require you to sacrifice your entire social life) then you’re more likely to build the consistent habits that will move you in the right direction.

You’re not actually tracking your progress.

How do you know you’re on the right path? What’s holding you accountable? Breaking down your larger goal into smaller weekly practices and daily actions will allow you to truly know what works. When you track those actions – whether on paper or through an app or other habit tracker – you’ll be able to see how consistent you are, know if the actions are actually doable for you, and identify if the actions are helping you make progress.

You’re focused on the future and not staying present.

If you’ve truly been staying on your path and completing actions that align with your goal, then you probably are making progress. But you’re too focused on the bigger goal – the end result – to notice what you’ve actually achieved. Instead of wondering why you haven’t lost 50 pounds in 4 weeks, look at where you started and where you are now. Have you lost 5 pounds? Well that’s progress!

How do I fix what’s not working?

Rethink your goals or action steps.

It’s all about trial and error. Nobody said you can’t adjust your plan. If something isn’t working for you, change it. This goes for your goals, too. You may start down the path you think is right for you and then realize that something else is actually more important. It’s time to pivot.

Ask for help.

I don’t care who you are, support is crucial. You can’t do it alone, and you shouldn’t have to. Talk to someone close to you about your goals and what you want to achieve. Find an accountability partner, sign up for personal training, hire a nutrition coach. People lean on others because it gives them a feeling of responsibility, knowing they will have to answer to someone other than themselves. It’s also helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of when you feel like you’re struggling. They may see something you don’t.

Recognize and celebrate progress.

Set smaller, shorter-term milestones along your journey to help you work toward something that’s closer in reach. And when you achieve those milestones, celebrate them! Treat yourself to a movie or a new pair of shoes. Or just share it with those around you so they can celebrate with you. I guarantee you’ll be more motivated to keep going.

Bottom line – keep in mind, goals have nothing to do with the new year. You can start, you can adjust, you can keep going. Anytime.