Looking Ahead at 2016

I recently reread my Adea blog for December 24, 2014, titled “Resolutions Coming Up” and found that out of a list of six (no, really five, because I haven’t smoked in years so that one doesn’t count) I have managed to do three (weight loss, drink less, save more). That’s okay, but not great. So let’s take another look at the traditional New Year’s resolutions and see if we can shake things up a bit.

Who bothers with this stuff? According to recent research 45% of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions and the rest never do. How these statistics are arrived at is beyond me. But based on chitchat around the water cooler at the office these numbers seem to be fairly sound.

Why is weight loss always at the top of the list? I have no idea except that it seems to be #1 on everyone’s mind. I recently heard that loyal Oprah is shelling out $43.2 million to acquire a 10% interest in Weight Watchers because the company is losing money. She will be on the board and plans to help WW reinvent itself with a broader reach and appeal. No matter how you look at it, weight is always a hot topic.

Cutting calories is one way to lose

What comes in second if weight is first? Usually it’s money and how to hang on to more of it by being more careful with credit cards, eating out, drinking with office buddies, spending more than you can really afford. In short: all the fun stuff.

What’s the success rate for New Year’s resolutions? From what I’ve read, it’s about 10% or put differently, a 90% failure rate. Yikes! But then I came across two statistics that broke this down according to age. Presumably, 39% of young people (20 to 30) have success with their resolutions, while only 14% of those over 50 do. Maybe they’re just tired.

How long do people stick with this? This is embarrassing – to say the least. Only 46% last past six months which is down from 75% the first week. We’re a weak-willed bunch it seems.

How can we possibly make New Year’s resolutions work? It’s my belief that the word “resolutions” is part of the problem. It sounds so official and formidable that one is overwhelmed right from the get-go. Let’s say, “Goals for the Year Ahead” instead.

What’s the best way to make goal-setting effective? Setting realistic goals that can be done with baby steps at first is one way to start and stay on track. Losing 50 lbs. is daunting, but losing five lbs. in three weeks is definitely doable.

How can I keep track of all this good stuff? Write it down. This doesn’t mean knocking it out on the computer. It requires buying a cheap notebook and actually writing in it. This reinforces where you are, what you’re doing and the progress being made.

How long will it take to really see a change? The conventional wisdom is that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit. But some researchers have found that it takes two months to feel comfortable with a new direction in one’s life.

MAY WE SUGGEST…

We’re heading for a brand new year. What better time to take a close look at your wardrobe and fill in the gaps. Take a look at our easy-to-wear tops and bottoms – you’ll be surprised at our great fashion mix.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

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