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Trying to Get in Shape? Here's the History Behind the Common New Year's Resolution
Exercise is not a widespread hobby
The rise of exercise culture has that has led to fitness-focused New Year's resolutions does not mean people will exercise. Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults and 1 in 5 high school students meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
The relentless optimism displayed each year in setting fitness resolutions may reflect an American ideal. The New Year's resolution to get in shape demonstrates a belief in the individual's ability for self-improvement.
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Key Ideas
Influencing consumers
Near the end of the year, attempts to influence consumer behavior abounds with ways to "improve yourself" in the new year. They remind the consumer that you're still the same imperfect person they'...
How new years resolutions changed
Whereas previously resolutions took the form of taking stock of the previous year and making amends to move forward, the American culture today focus on the self.
Self-improvement often boils down to being thin and generating wealth.
Resolution-dependent advertising
Top resolutions tend to be the ones for which it's easiest to market products or services, like gym memberships or workout clothes. They are easily targeted to someone who feels pressure to change their physical aspect.
It is easy to imagine why people might choose these options when prompted to explain what they don't like about themselves and get them to buy things meant to soothe their fears of being unable to change.
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Key Ideas
The Rush of Motivation
During the first week of the new year, there is a rush of motivated people who want to achieve their respective self-improvement goals. But then all this rush always tapers off, with only about 8 %...
Procrastinating
Procrastination, or the way we let pending tasks linger on, just avoiding them, is one of the main reasons our goals don't materialize.
The longer any work is avoided the harder it becomes to eventually do it.
Like dishes piling up in the kitchen sink, they get harder and harder to do as the load increases.
Fear as the Cause of Inaction
Fear causes us to procrastinate. It can be:
- Fear of change
- Fear of leaving our comfort zone
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of failure
- Fear of what other people would think of us
We justify these fears by imaginary different reasons, but the root cause is not related to our invented reasons, it is our inherent fear.
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Key Ideas
One Step Daily
Most people do not stick to their New Year's resolutions because they focus on the entire task.
By just focusing on the daily small steps, one is able to create a successful daily routine.
Keep It Practical
Dial back your goal for the New Year to be a more practical, pragmatic one, and your chances of success will rise dramatically.
Don't be too hard on yourself.