The Art of Achievable Resolutions: It’s Never Too Early
The Art of Achievable Resolutions: It’s Never Too Early
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HOUSTON, TX. November 2024
Don’t wait until January to make wellness and wellbeing resolutions; start now for better results
Before you know it, you’ll be going through the familiar rituals of an annual passage. You know the signs: The din of party horns, the strains of “Auld Lang Syne,” and the echoes of laughter fading into the dawn. And too quickly on the heels of New Year’s Eve, another ritual – unwelcome, annoying, even dreaded.
January’s dawn is Day One of enacting resolutions. For many, it’s the starting line for a slate of healthy efforts and personal promises. But as far as Claudia Schwarz is concerned, if you’re waiting until January, you’re already playing an inevitably losing game of catch-up.
Contrary to popular belief, January may not be the best time to begin enacting resolutions governing your health and wellbeing, she said.
“January rolls around and you’re picking up the pieces of the holiday season,” said Schwarz, Chief Clinical Development Officer for J. Flowers Health Institute. “It’s not the most effective time to begin tackling important changes to your habits.”
In a world accustomed to hearing “it’s never too late to start,” Schwarz has a better idea: It’s never too early. She suggests confronting the busy holiday season (that period between Halloween and New Year’s Eve when overindulging is common) with guidelines that will help you get through holiday temptations while also setting effective groundwork for more formal resolutions.
Think of the holiday period as an ideal time to begin identifying behavioral issues that need addressing as well as prep time for successful goal-setting. In other words: don’t wait until January which can be a time of desperation.
While issues such as mental health and substance abuse disorders cannot be treated by New Year’s Resolutions, the holidays can act as a time when assessment is key.
“The holidays are busy, and people tend to put things off. We see better results from people who don’t procrastinate,” Schwarz said. “Don’t wait until you hit a wall or rock bottom. Let’s work on getting you help now.”
As for typical New Year’s resolutions, Schwarz has the same advice. Enact them now instead of January when success isn’t in your favor. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of resolutions enacting on January 1 fail by February.
Good intentions run high, though. According to Forbes Health/OnePoll, the most common resolutions are practical: 48 percent of adults vow to improve fitness, followed by 38 percent who promise to improve their finances. The other top resolutions are improved mental health (36 percent), weight loss (34 percent) and improved diet (32 percent).
While starting early helps, Schwarz said New Year’s resolutions don’t have to fail. She offers the following tips to help ensure success:
Be practical:
Wanting to re-evaluate and reassess is great but set goals that can be achieved. Aiming too high will set you up for failure. Be practical and set goals that can be measured and quantified. Make lists and be methodical in your approach.
Start small:
If your goal is for improved health, start now by incorporating more movement into your daily routines. Gradually add more walking and light exercise. Come January, you will already be accustomed to greater activity and feel the effects.
You’re already well on your path when everyone else is taking their first steps on New Year’s Day.
Don’t procrastinate:
If you already recognize problem behaviors, take steps now; the holidays will only exacerbate issues. Don’t delay addressing things such as emotional concerns, relationship issues, boundary setting, or family dysfunction. “By January you might be in crisis,” Schwarz said.
Be kind to yourself:
Self-care is always important and takes on special significance during the holidays when emotions run high. Do things to raise your spirits and schedule valuable “me time.” “The holidays are a season of giving, so give yourself a gift,” Schwar said. “Do something positive for yourself.”
Be accountable:
You may be able to cheat yourself, but a partner in resolutions will help keep you honest. Think of a buddy or support system – a spouse, relative or friend – who will be supportive in your goals but also hold you accountable.
Don’t give up:
If you fail, start back again with renewed hope and promise. And remember to be forgiving when you fall short. “Cut yourself some slack and realize that every day is a new beginning,” Schwarz said. “This is why it’s important to start your resolutions now.”
About J. Flowers Health Institute
J. Flowers Health Institute delivers unparalleled health care to executives, high-profile individuals, young adults, adolescents, and those with complex conditions. Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation Program uncovers the true source of any health issue and illuminates the most effective path to optimal wellness. The timeliness of our reports and diagnostic impressions allows the next appropriate level of care to begin promptly with a broad and deep understanding of the individual’s health and wellness.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts collaborates to deliver the future of whole-person health. We select the best providers and protocols from Western medicine, holistic health, integrative nutrition, sports medicine, and more that will help our clients reach optimal health. Our team’s coordination and collaboration offer each client a full continuum of care as appropriate for their unique circumstances.
Every client receives one-on-one support and personalized care. Our high-end medical facilities, access to the world’s largest medical campus, and private partnerships with exquisite hotels and spas ensure that we deliver an exceptional experience for every client. No detail is ever left to chance. Clients of J. Flowers Health Institute focus and heal in discreet comfort.
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