Good intentions that go wrong
Exercise more.
Eating healthier.
Quit smoking.
Take more time for yourself.
More often than not, they give an unjustified blow and then quickly say sorry.
All good intentions. Three quarters of the Dutch come up with them for the new year. Quite a lot of people. But of all the good intentions, 92% fail. Often even before March 1st.
Why do good intentions usually fail?
We don't like change. Something you always liked to do, suddenly isn't allowed anymore. By yourself.
It becomes really difficult when your behavior becomes a habit.
A cigarette after dinner.
Stroopwafel with coffee.
Scrolling endlessly through your social media.
Breaking a habit and learning new behavior in its place takes a lot of effort and willpower. That your intention usually fails is therefore not so strange.
And the beautiful thing is that we always have ourselves to justify our failure.
'Sports are just really boring, so it makes sense that I don't do them. Plus, you can get injuries from them.'
'It just runs in our family that we gain weight a little faster. That's genetically determined.'
'One cigarette can't hurt, right? I've been able to go 3 days without smoking.'
It's amazing how you can fool yourself with excuses like this.
Why do some people succeed?
Tens of thousands of people manage to stick to their resolutions. Is there a trick or strategy that helps?
I do not think so.
If only 8% of New Year's resolutions actually get carried out, it must be with people who are wired differently than I am.
That's why I love driving. When I accelerate, I know for sure that I'm going to go faster. When I brake, I go slower. The accelerator and brake pedals of my motivation are a lot spongier. You never know if I'm going to exercise faster or eat or drink less.
Sometimes I think: if only I had a gym. In January a lot of registrations, in March nothing left to do.
This morning I heard on the Belgian radio: 'There are few vitamins in cake. That's why you have to eat so much of it.' There go your good intentions.
What are your New Year's resolutions?
I have resolved not to resolve on anything anymore. Then I will at least be among the 8% that succeed.
If I can help you clean up your house, you can choose a bus here: Cleaning up the mess.
Finally, I wish you a beautiful and healthy 2023, even if your good intentions have already failed.
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