The Honest Truth About Health Resolutions: Why I Stopped Making Them

Let's Get One Thing Straight

I'm done with health resolutions. Completley done. I used to be that person, you know? The one who'd swear up and down that this year, this year would be different. I'd wake up at 5am, meditate for 30 minutes, then hit the gym for a 60-minute HIIT sesh. I'd meal prep like a pro, drink a gallon of water a day, and be in bed by 9pm. Yeah, right.

Last year, I told my best friend Marcus (let's call him Marcus because, honestly, I don't want to embarrass him), "I'm gonna change my life." He looked at me like I was crazy. "You say that every year," he said. And he was right. I did. I do.

But not this year. This year, I'm taking a different approach. I'm done with the all-or-nothing mindset. I'm done with the guilt and the shame and the constant feeling of failure. I'm done with the resolutions.

Here's the Thing About Resolutions

They set us up for failure. They're like this shiny, perfect version of ourselves that we're supposed to become overnight. And when we don't become that version, we feel like crap. It's a terrible cycle, and I'm not gonna do it anymore.

I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. He was all, "But don't you think having goals is important?" And I was like, "Yeah, but goals and resolutions are different. Goals are like, 'I wanna run a marathon.' Resolutions are like, 'I'm gonna wake up at 5am every day and run 10 miles.'" See the difference?

Resolutions are rigid. They're all-or-nothing. And life isn't like that. Life is messy and unpredictable. It's gonna throw curveballs at you, and you can't plan for every single one of them.

What I'm Doing Instead

I'm focusing on habits. Small, sustainable habits that I can build over time. I'm not gonna wake up at 5am every day. But I am gonna try to wake up at a reasonable hour and not hit snooze 15 times. I'm not gonna meal prep every Sunday. But I am gonna try to make healthier choices when I'm grocery shopping.

And I'm gonna be kind to myself. I'm gonna acknowledge that I'm human, and humans make mistakes. I'm gonna celebrate the small wins, like drinking an extra glass of water or taking a 10-minute walk. I'm gonna focus on progress, not perfection.

I'm also gonna be honest with myself about what I can and can't do. I'm not a morning person, and that's okay. I'm not gonna force myself to wake up at 5am just because some influencer told me to. I'm gonna find a workout that I actually enjoy, not one that I feel like I should do.

And if I have a bad day? If I eat a whole pizza or skip a workout or stay up too late? That's okay too. It's one day. It doesn't define me. I'm gonna get back on track the next day, and I'm not gonna beat myself up about it.

A Tangent About Outdoor Gear

Speaking of workouts, I've been getting into hiking lately. It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it's something I actually enjoy. I've been learning a lot about the right gear to use, and honestly, it's a bit overwhelming. There's so much stuff out there, and it's hard to know what you really need.

I was talking to a friend about this, and she recommended checking out an outdoor equipment buying guide. It's a great resource if you're just starting out and don't know your trekking poles from your hydration bladders. (Which, honestly, I didn't. I had to Google it.)

Anyway, back to the point. Hiking is a great example of a habit I've been trying to build. I'm not gonna hike every day, or even every week. But I'm gonna try to get out there a few times a month. It's a sustainable habit that I enjoy, and it's something that's actually gonna stick.

Here's What I'm Not Gonna Do

I'm not gonna beat myself up for not being perfect. I'm not gonna feel guilty for taking a rest day or eating a cookie. I'm not gonna compare myself to others or feel like I'm failing because I'm not where I "should" be.

I'm not gonna make a list of resolutions this year. I'm not gonna set myself up for failure. I'm gonna focus on the small things, the habits that I can build over time. I'm gonna be kind to myself, and I'm gonna celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

And if I have a bad day? If I fall off the wagon? That's okay. It's part of the process. I'm gonna get back up, and I'm gonna keep going. Because that's what life is all about, right? It's not about being perfect. It's about showing up, doing your best, and being kind to yourself along the way.

So, that's my take on health resolutions. I'm done with them. I'm focusing on habits, and I'm being kind to myself. And honestly, it feels pretty good.

What about you? Are you making resolutions this year? Or are you focusing on habits? Let me know in the comments.

About the Author
Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness niche. She's a firm believer in sustainable habits over quick fixes and loves hiking, reading, and a good cup of coffee. You can find her on Twitter @SarahJ_Editor or over at EuroClinics.