Dear Matt,
I told myself over and over that going into 2022 I was going to stop snacking and eating a lot of sweets. It’s my go-to habit. I do it a lot, and I need to get control over it. Of course, four days into the new year and I finally crack and have a sweet snack. And now I feel upset and I’m not sure where to go from here. What can I do? Are New Year's resolutions stupid or am I?
-Sweet Snackin’ Suzie
Dear Sweet Snackin’ Suzie,
I don’t like New Years Resolutions because I think it puts so much pressure right away in January and then, you don’t keep up or reach it in this first week or two and suddenly you’re in the position you are now. You’re not stupid, and I don’t think Resolutions are stupid per se, but they don’t work for everyone.
I like to approach years with goals and themes. This year’s theme for me is upbuilding, taking certain passions and building them up from where they are now. I have specific goals in mind, some of which probably won’t happen in 2022. But it creates a theme and helps guide me.
I’d suggest that you work on these goals over the course of the year. What are some end goals that you can manage over the course of 12 months? Maybe it’s getting down to three snacks a week? This isn’t an excuse to not get anything done — but it might help you feel better.
And to all that are struggling with resolutions or even yearly goals — keep going! Time and practice, that’s all it takes.
-
Matt
