Redefining New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year’s Resolutions habit loop seems to continue every single year. Women say to themselves, “this is my year to finally get in shape”, or “this is my year to put myself first”. Only to fast forward a few weeks into January to not stick to the new promises they made and revert back to old habits and ways of being. I am going to explore why this happens and how you first need to address your identity before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.
What is your identity anyways? It is the collection of core beliefs that you hold about yourself on a deep subconscious level. For example if you struggle with your weight, you might unconsciously view yourself as an emotional eater/binge eater/person who struggles with their weight. Then in turn, you act in accordance with this identity and reinforce that way of being. So how do we actually change this? In the simplest terms, we have to start crafting and wiring in a new identity for you. A simple question you can ask yourself is, if I was in great shape, how would I act today? How would I eat? How would I move my body? What help or support would I need to ensure my success? And then start taking action steps right now as if you are that person. Time is an inevitable part of transformation. You can’t shortcut time, you have to allow it to pass and develop patience. But then over time if you keep acting that way, you will have made a transformation towards a fitter, healthier body.
So rather of being the type of women that sets new years resolutions, instead, ask yourself what kind of woman do I want to see myself as? Do I embody the identity of a healthy, fit woman? And even if I don’t right in this moment, thats okay. Building an honest awareness is the first step towards any transformation. Then once awareness is in place, what simple action steps can you start today to start becoming that woman?
Can you start eating protein at every single meal?
Can you start going for a walk on your lunch break?
Can you fill up a water bottle and keep it at your desk?
Can you commit to exercising 2 times per week?
Every action will eventually compound, and often times, one small action acts as a catalyst for another healthy action. Don’t let overwhelm paralyze you from doing something. As time passes you will say to yourself, wow, I am so happy I did [x]. And then that thing you started will get easier, and before you know it, you can add another habit.
New Year’s resolutions are outdated, and instead, women need to know that the root cause of any lasting change is a shift in your identity. It’s morphing yourself into a different person, brick by brick, one step at a time. And no, it’s not flashy or sexy, but it’s the actual truth of how a real transformation takes place.