The rush at the gym every January is a running gag. That’s why I’ve ditched the idea of setting resolutions to hit the gym. It’s almost comical how everyone jumps on the bandwagon, only to retreat back to their comfort foods and binge-watching by February. If I’ve seen it happen to others, why would I expect to be any different?
A few years back, I dove into why resolutions are so tough to maintain for a magazine article. The standout insight came from life coach Jenna Smith, author of Awaken Your Potential: Embrace a Life You Love. Smith pointed out that we often make resolutions from a place of negativity, viewing them as things that need fixing. “Resolutions stem from judgment and guilt,” she said. So many of these commitments focus on body transformation, and typically, we wield guilt as if it’s a tool to force our bodies into compliance. Why do we treat ourselves so harshly?
Smith advocates for setting intentions instead of resolutions. Rather than declaring, “I will attend yoga class three times a week, and on off days, I’ll run four miles” (not that I’ve ever made such a lofty promise—no, really), consider this: “I intend to enjoy movement more, whether it’s dancing, jogging, or taking a refreshing stroll.” The key is to be gentle with yourself when you slip up, which we all do at some point. By choosing intentions over resolutions, we can more easily keep our commitments to the part of us that genuinely wants to thrive, rather than the inner critic that constantly nags.
Ultimately, the only resolution worth making is to be kinder to yourself. That’s the real deal. I’ll make that promise if you will.
By the way, if you’re looking for alternatives to the gym, consider the benefits of the Fitbit alongside Jillian Michaels’ workout plans. And don’t forget about MyFitnessPal; these tools can create an effective fitness strategy without the wait for equipment at the gym. For more insights on family life, check out this engaging post on our other blog.
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In summary, as we step into the New Year, let’s steer clear of harsh resolutions and instead focus on setting intentions that foster a loving relationship with ourselves.
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