I Broke Up with My Resolutions
Look, I’m gonna be honest here. I’m done with health resolutions. Completley. Done. It’s not that I don’t care about my health, it’s just… I do. A lot. But the annual ritual of setting these grand, sweeping health goals? It’s a scam. A marketing ploy. A committment to disappointment.
Let me take you back to January 2nd, 2018. I was at a conference in Austin, sitting next to a guy named Marcus (not his real name, but whatever). We were both nursing terrible hangovers from New Year’s Eve, and he turned to me and said, “I’m gonna get fit this year. No more excuses.” I nodded, because that’s what you do, and I thought, “Yeah, me too, Marcus. Me too.”
But here’s the thing: Marcus didn’t get fit. And neither did I. Because it’s hard. And life gets in the way. And honestly, who the hell wants to wake up at 5 am to go to the gym? Not me. Not anymore.
Why Resolutions Suck
I’ve talked to alot of people about this. My friend Sarah, who’s a personal trainer (and honestly, the most annoying person to be around in January because she’s all “New Year, New You!” and I’m over here like, “New Year, Same Me, Thanks.”), she gets it. She told me, “People think they can change everything overnight. It doesn’t work like that.” And she’s right. It’s not about overnight changes. It’s about small, consistent efforts. But resolutions? They’re all about the overnight stuff.
I mean, think about it. You’re supposed to go from eating pizza every night to kale salads and quinoa overnight? Yeah, right. And then when you fail, you feel like crap. And then you give up. It’s a cycle. A terrible, terrible cycle.
What Actually Works
So what’s the alternative? I’m glad you asked. (Well, you didn’t, but I’m telling you anyway.) It’s about making small, manageable changes. Like, instead of saying “I’m gonna go to the gym every day,” say “I’m gonna take a 10-minute walk every day.” Or instead of “I’m gonna eat healthy,” try “I’m gonna add one vegetable to my plate at dinner.”
And look, I’m not saying don’t have goals. Goals are good. But they need to be realistic. And they need to be about progress, not perfection. Because perfection is boring. And it’s impossible. And honestly, it’s not even healthy.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’re gonna make changes, make them because you want to, not because society tells you to. Remember that guy Marcus? He told me last Tuesday that he’s finally starting to enjoy cooking healthy meals. “It’s not about the resolution,” he said. “It’s about finding something I actually like.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
A Tangent: Online Shopping and Health
Speaking of finding things you like, have you ever noticed how alot of health products are sold online? Like, you can find everything from protein powder to yoga mats to those weird toe stretchers. But here’s the thing: online shopping can be a security nightmare. I mean, have you seen the news lately? Data breaches, identity theft, it’s all kinda scary. So if you’re gonna shop online, make sure you’re following online shopping security tips safe practices. Because nobody wants their credit card info stolen while they’re trying to get healthy.
The Mental Health Angle
And let’s talk about mental health for a sec. Because honestly, it’s just as important as physical health. And you know what? It’s often overlooked in these resolution conversations. I had coffee with a colleague named Dave about three months ago, and he told me, “I used to feel like I had to workout every day or I was failing.” But then he realized that sometimes, mental health days are just as important as physical ones. And you know what? He’s right.
So maybe, just maybe, instead of making a resolution to go to the gym every day, make a resolution to check in with yourself every day. To ask yourself how you’re feeling, what you need. Because that’s what’s really gonna make a difference in the long run.
And look, I’m not saying don’t make resolutions if you want to. Do your thing. But for me? I’m done. I’m gonna focus on the small stuff. The stuff that actually makes a difference. The stuff that’s sustainable. Because honestly, that’s what health is all about.
Oh, and one last thing. If you’re gonna make changes, make them because you want to. Not because it’s January. Not because everyone else is doing it. But because it’s what’s gonna make you feel good. In the long run.
Anyway, that’s my take. Agree? Disagree? Let’s hear it. But remember, be nice. We’re all in this together.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Alex. I’ve been writing about health and wellness for what feels like a million years. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly, I’m here to tell you what actually works. And what doesn’t. I live in a small town in Oregon with my cat, Mr. Whiskers, and my collection of obscure vinyl records. When I’m not writing, you can find me hiking, reading, or attempting to bake sourdough bread (with varying degrees of succesfully).
I’m not a doctor. I’m not a nutritionist. I’m just a person who cares about health. And I’m here to share what I’ve learned. For better or worse.
Oh, and I’m on Twitter. @AlexWritesHealth. Come say hi. But not too early. I’m not a morning person.
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