Hey friends!
The New Year is moving forward! 🎉 Now that we are several months in, we should check in with our New Years goals! So let’s talk honestly — especially about the most common one: weight loss goals.

New Years Resolutions: Progress Or Not? — image by timmossholder on unsplash

Why Do Most Resolutions Crash Before February?

Every January, gyms fill up, meal prep containers sell out, and people get hyped to finally hit those goals. But here’s the truth: most New Year’s resolutions fail — often by mid-January. Why? It’s not laziness. It’s not lack of desire. It’s mindset.

We often go in rigid, expecting perfection. Then real life hits — a skipped workout, emotional eating, a stressful day with the kids — and we spiral. Been there? Same. 🙋‍♀️

The Yo-Yo dieting Struggle is Real

Unfortunately, I’ve been in a constant back and forth cycle of yo-yo dieting for years now: doing great, slipping up, guilt-eating, restarting… then, rinse and repeat. Over and over again It’s emotionally exhausting. I know what it’s like to want to lose the weight and get back to my goal again. I’ve been there several times. I always chase that amazing feeling of reaching my goal weight range. But then, I end up gaining the weight again. This time, I have this constant fear of failing (again), it’s definitely a big reason I become stuck.

So then…. What Actually Works and Will Last Long Term?

I noticed I always tend to try and be super perfect with my journey. I have to get every workout in, as well as eat perfectly within my deficit calorie range. Any little misstep leads to me feeling guilty, beating myself up, and binge eating/giving up.
Instead of trying to be a perfectionist with my journey or trying to impress others with January goals, what helps is to step back. Trying to be the best and compare our journey with others can be negative. What works for another may not work for you. You may lose weight at a slower pace than others. And that’s OK.

Here are some tips that will help:

💡 Be flexible yet accountable. Being perfect isn’t the goal — being consistent and persistent is.

💬 support: Talk or vent with like-minded friends or family. It can be in person or in an online community like creation motivation such as blogging, vlogging, or in groups or forums. Writing your journey out helps you keep track of your journey over time keeping you accountable.

❤️ Put self-care higher on your list! Moms, dads, employees, etc… we all can feel pushed to our breaking point at times. Burn out is real and can turn your journey around QUICK. Take time for you. Take a walk, read a book. Hang out with friends.

🎵 Find movement you love. Walking, dancing, jogging with music… heck, I love putting my playlist on in my headphones and doing Tae bo with it! If it’s fun, you’ll keep doing it.Laugh. Remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish. It’s crucial for reaching your goals.

Fear is the Real Blocker — Not Willpower

Let’s be real. The ear of failure can and WILL keep us “comfortably stuck.” We tell ourselves: “I’ll start Monday” or “I’ll do it when I’m ready.” And, the I’ll start on X day will usually turn into starting out next week…..then next month…. Before you know it, a whole year has gone by! The truth? There’s just never a perfect time to get started. Get it over with. Start now. Even if it’s the smallest baby steps. Even if it’s unorganized or messy. Progress is Progress. JUST DO IT!

Because even the smallest attempts and failing still is a win over never trying to do anything at all.

But, I Haven’t Made ANY Progress Towards My New Years Goals!

So what if you haven’t made any progress?? It’s now several months in the year. Instead of beating your self up, feeling down, and gaining even more weight, stop it in it’s tracks!

Turn things around now. Make your weight start heading downward. Start heading in the right direction. The direction that takes you CLOSER to your goals. Not further away! The time will pass either way. Which would you rather happen? The time goes by and nothing has changed? Or worse? You have gone in the opposite direction?

Or, would you rather have made progress. Even small progress! I think I know what I would prefer!

Final Thoughts: Use That Motivation While You Can

Motivation is a fleeting feeling that feels almost magical. It comes and goes randomly and if your feeling it and hyped up — use it. Start right now. Today, not Monday. Start with some small changes, even if they are messy. Start even if you’re scared. Just start!

And remember: every time you track, every small check-in will make the difference. It all counts! Whether you lost a pound, half a pound, maintained or had a rough week and gained — keep going. Continue showing up. That’s where the change really happens.

Happy goal-getting, everyone! 💪
Let’s continue to make this year not about being a perfectionist — not obsessing about how little we’ve accomplished, but on turning things around in the right direction! About being persistent and consistently checking in!

💬 Join the Community: Let’s Do This Together!

Ready to break the cycle and support each other in our goals? Join our Creation Motivation community! It’s a space where we share our wins, struggles, and keep each other accountable.