It is time for a fresh start, new energy and renewed goals. The prospect of a whole year ahead allows for a lot of excitement, expectation and planning.
So, what would you like to achieve in 2017?
According to an American study published in 2016, the number one New Year resolution was to ‘lose weight’. It was closely followed by ‘Enjoy life the to fullest’ at number 4, and ‘stay fit and healthy’ at number 5.
However, while 71% of those who make a resolution can maintain it throughout the first fortnight, only 46% maintain it past six months. Worse yet, only 8% were successful in achieving their resolution at all, and 24% ‘never succeed and fail on their resolution each year’. The figures are astounding, and point to a much bigger problem.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 63% of Australian adults are overweight (as of 2011-2012), which has steadily been on the rise. The same report showed that in 2006 45% of Australians feel too rushed or pressured to nurture close relationships, which is up from 35% in 1997.
What does that say about our priorities? Although majority of our resolutions are health-focused, we are simply not achieving them. Additionally, for our resolutions to be health-focused, our health must be suffering in the first place. Are we truly prioritizing our well-being?
According to the American study, those who explicitly make resolutions (i.e. tell others about them) are more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.
All of the findings are pointing in the same direction; for us to be successful in achieving our goals, we clearly benefit from sharing them with others for some level of accountability. Additionally, for us to be successful in achieving our health goals in particular, gaining accountability and specific coaching from a health professional would greatly improve your chances of sustaining positive change.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/products/30CB417861D198EBCA257C49007C2641?OpenDocument
http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
