WHICH one did you go for? Did you swear you’d lose weight, get fit or cut back on the booze?
And now we’re almost two months into the new year, and all your good intentions have flown out the window. . .
Let’s face it – New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to stick to. And a fascinating new study from Sweden has revealed the main reason.
One of the biggest determining factors is whether you have a positive approach to your goals rather than it being about negative avoidance.
Researchers at Stockholm University and Linköping University followed 1 000 people over 12 months and found that having “approach-oriented goals” – such as committing to exercising or making specific healthier eating choices – was more effective than having “avoidance-oriented goals”, which meant focusing on giving up certain things, such as alcohol, sweets or chocolate.
The study found that the group of participants who made approach-oriented resolutions had a higher success rate – 59% – than the group who made avoidance-oriented resolutions – 47%.
The study also found that not seeing results quickly is another reason people quit their resolutions a few weeks in.
But whether you’re about to lose your resolve or have already abandoned your goals, it’s not too late. Simply change the way you think and start again.
Here are some tips on how to shift your perspective.
ASSESS, ADAPT, OR DITCH
Don’t just choose a goal then get on with your life and hope for the best.
“Be intentional about making time to reflect,” says Cape Town counselor Kelly Jacobs.
Denne historien er fra 25 February 2021-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 25 February 2021-utgaven av YOU South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William