"This is the year I get healthy!"
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What does that even mean? This common refrain is so vague that it's practically meaningless, Lincoln says. To be successful, you need to hone in one or two aspects of your health you really want to change and make resolutions specifically for those. "A good resolution is S.M.A.R.T.—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-constrained," she explains.
Smarter resolution: "I'm going to cut out all sweetened beverages for 90 days." or "I'm going to exercise for 30 minutes five days a week." Check out the 12 resolutions that help you live longer.
"No more procrastinating, I'm writing my book this year!"
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Do you have a repeat resolution that always shows up on your New Year's list but never gets accomplished? Whether it's starting a business, writing a book, making a job change, or another big goal in your life, if you've been procrastinating doing it, simply resolving to make it happen won't work, says Ana Jovanovic, a psychologist and life coach with Parenting Pod. "There's a reason for why you are delaying and that reason must be dealt with if you want to make a change," she explains. "Maybe the activity is making you feel anxious. Maybe it's confronting you with a fear of failure. Maybe it's boring you, or maybe you are nervous about the consequences."
Smarter resolution: "I'm going to look at why I have made this resolution every year and resolve any underlying issues."
"I'm going to follow this popular diet and lose 30 pounds in 30 days!"
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While this resolution is definitely more specific, diet fads that promise extreme weight loss are an extremely bad idea, Lincoln says. "Even if you do manage to stick to such a plan and lose weight, it's unlikely you'll keep it off as that 30-day lifestyle is not sustainable," she says. "In addition, the methods used just are not safe for your health in the long run." It's important to set reasonable weight loss goals, based on research and your particular lifestyle needs, she says.
Smarter resolution: "I'm going to eat 500 calories less per day than I burn, to lose one pound a week."
19 Popular New Year's Resolutions Experts Say to Never Ever Make, Source:https://www.rd.com/advice/new-years-resolutions-never-ever-make/