thebabyperks

A popular discussion especially during this time of year is the idea that you don't need the new year to make a change in your lifestyle. I agree that you have the ability (and should) make a change to your lifestyle whenever you want, but I also recognize that having an official "start" date or point of change makes it easier.

A new year's resolutions last year was to work on my core and arms. This was me still on my 1/2 marathon training program in the fall, I'll update soon with my current physique, but I did make progress!

It comes down to mindset. Do you really want to make the change? Every year that I can remember I have come up with new year's resolutions and most of the time the resolutions are pretty loose: "be more confident," "cherish all of the little moments," and "prioritize fitness." With those I am able to figure out as I go along what I want to do. One that is more specific that I have continuously not accomplished is to stop biting my nails. I have worked pretty hard at trying to be more confident and creating a fitness routine that I love, but when it comes to biting my nails, it's not only a bad habit but an anxious habit (so with finals my nails aren't looking too good). I've gone without biting or picking my nails for months at a time but once it comes to cutting them I freak out because they're short again and the cycle continues.

I don't tell you my failed resolution so that you stare at my nails whenever we talk (please don't), I share it because I think that new year's resolutions are not bad or good. If the flipping of a calendar gets you into the gym for the first time why should I judge you? If you walk into the gym on May 7 ready to make a change (whether it be a forgotten new year's resolution or just something you want for yourself), don't let a random date on the calendar stop you.

If anything, when you set your new year's resolutions set random calendar alerts throughout your year so that you stop and analyze your progress towards your goals. See if the goals you set for yourself January 1 are still things you want to accomplish and if they are make a more detailed plan on how to stay on track.