Why Do So Many New Year Resolutions Come Up Short?

The beginning of each year is traditionally a time to start fresh for many, to leave old ways or habits behind and begin new ones. New Year’s resolutions that revolve around fitness abound, with many of them coming up short. Why? The problem could be an extension of the way we perceive other things in life. We want instantaneous results; we want the quick fix; we want it now.

Maybe we could learn something about New Year’s resolutions or a lack of any New Year’s resolutions from the older generation of physical culturists, some of whom have been exercising since the 1920s. There is generally a Zen–like quality to their daily lives that precludes them from needing to make those resolutions in the first place. Everything seems to be in place – from the daily fitness regimen, to the wholesome eating, to the sense of gratitude they share for being alive. A commonality also seems to run through their being: a sense of moderation in everything they do.

In all the infinite wisdom of a 23 year old, I once suggested to Iron Man Terry Robinson, who had been pumping iron for over 50 years at that time, why he didn’t throw more weight on the bar he was benching and squatting, as he surely could have if he wanted to. His reply was quite simple. If he used the heavier weight, there was a greater chance of him getting injured and thus potentially not exercising later on. No, he was in it for the long haul. There were no jump starts to his fitness regimen every January 1st; diet was not a part of his vocabulary; and he did not have to adjust his schedule to fit exercise in. He generally exercised first thing in the morning, when most people were still asleep. Exercising and good eating were second nature to him. How can we achieve this?

When a healthy lifestyle is a part of one’s daily schedule, like breathing, then there is no reason for resolutions every year that revolve around fitness. We can delve into other facets of life, whether that is spending more time with friends and family, furthering our education, or doing something totally different. But, considering our bodies should be of high priority, a good resolution could be to integrate a healthy lifestyle into our schedule to a point whereby we do not have to continuously make New Year’s resolutions in a piecemeal fashion: lose fat, get jacked, get a ripped six pack, fit into a certain bathing suit. By viewing our bodies more holistically, the positive changes that occur in us over the years will spill over into the lives of those we come in contact with, and in turn, make a positive impact on their lives. The cycle continues.