The Truth About New Year’s Resolutions

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The practice of reflecting on past mistakes and setting resolutions for self-improvement can be traced back approximately 4,000 years to the Ancient Babylonians, who were the first recorded civilization to celebrate the coming of a new year. Over time, while the specifics of New Year’s resolutions have evolved, the overarching theme remains a commitment of self-betterment.

The practice of creating resolutions has deep roots in history and culture. The January 1st date we follow today became official under the Julian Calendar. This calendar, created by the Romans, incorporated the ancient Egyptian solar cycle of 365 ¼ days. Regardless of when it's celebrated, the arrival of a new year has been widely seen as a time to reflect on challenges, while looking forward to the future.

New Year’s resolutions are often rooted in humanity’s long-standing desire for improvement and offer a structured way to set meaningful personal goals. For many, these goals revolve around overall well-being. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent exercise routine or making healthier food choices, the coming of a new year provides the perfect opportunity for self-reflection by helping individuals to reassess past priorities and chart a renewed course toward positive change.

Resolutions versus Habits

Too many New Year’s resolutions represent the point where the pressure for rapid change collides head on with how the human body and mind naturally resist drastic changes, especially in daily food intake and dramatic increase in physical activity. However, by approaching your resolutions one step at a time, the goals will feel more achievable and sustainable making them more likely to create lasting changes for self-improvement.

Experts say that willpower is a finite resource, and setting broad undefined objectives can be too challenging for your brain to prioritize. When goals feel out of reach or setbacks occur, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up altogether. Instead, start by defining specific, manageable goals and outlining the habits required to achieve them. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, focus on small, actionable changes such as swapping a workplace donut for a piece of fruit.

True change requires shifting your focus from unsustainable quick fixes to consistent, attainable steps for adopting new habits. Drastic shifts, like extreme dieting, can trigger biological responses such as increased hunger hormone levels, making weight loss more difficult. Approaching your goals with practical expectations is essential as rapid changes often lead to burnout and frustration. Sharing your progress with supportive peers can also help you stay on track.

Incorporate MRC into Your Weight Loss Journey

Studies show that popular resolutions such as losing weight, eating healthier, and following personalized meal plans remain top priorities for many every year. Over the holiday season, indulgences in calorie-dense meals, sugary treats, and alcoholic beverages are common, and ramp up pressure for rapid weight loss. However, success doesn’t come from quick fixes or short-term results. It hinges on creating realistic, sustainable habits that support long-term well-being.

Unfortunately, the reality is there are no quick fixes for weight loss at anytime of year. That’s because poorly planned approaches most often lead to weight cycling, or yo-yo dieting, where weight is repeatedly lost and regained. This, in turn, can negatively impact your long-term health and wellness. So, it is critical to move beyond “weight on the scale” as the sole indicator of your month-one progress by adopting achievable new habits.

For some, addressing the underlying causes of weight gain, such as emotional triggers and hormonal imbalances, is crucial to achieving long-term success. If you’re looking for a partner in your weight loss journey, the Metabolic Research Center offers over 35 years of experience in promoting health and body positivity through personalized coaching and a supportive community. You’ll get the tools and encouragement needed to transform your New Year’s resolutions.