The new year has arrived and with it its share of good resolutions. Thanks to this technique, you no longer risk giving up in the first week.
Latecomer, procrastinator, homebody… Every new year, the same faults return. Even if at the beginning of January, we already imagine ourselves becoming a better version of ourselves, our ambitions are quickly revised downwards in the weeks that follow. Many of us set excessive goals for ourselves despite our capabilities and available time.
According to the Ipsos Sport-Health barometer for the French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics, which provides an overview of French people’s resolutions for 2025, 34% wish to practice regular physical or sporting activity, 23% promise to spend more time with their family and 23% want to reserve real moments of relaxation. In short, everyone hopes to become a “better self”.
But when it comes to keeping those good resolutions, everything gets more complicated. And contrary to popular belief, motivation is not always enough. Whether it’s taking up sport, stopping smoking or eating a more balanced diet, to be effective in the long term, you have to question two concepts.
Self-determination, first of all, is essential for acting autonomously. With honesty and precision, we must ask ourselves where this desire for change comes from. Is it personal or does it depend on the opinion of those close to you or society? Also be clear about your skills. If you want to finish a marathon without practicing physical activity beforehand, you are shooting yourself in the foot in advance.
Identifying your objective is essential. You have to be aware of your limitations and your strengths. A goal is not a passing fad, but a thoughtful perspective. For Gabriele Oettingen, a German professor and academic working on the influence of positive thinking, there is a very simple solution: “mental contrast”. To benefit from it, simply visualize both the accomplishments and the possible obstacles linked to your resolution. This exercise allows you to better understand the future and anticipate difficulties.
The magnitude of this mental gymnastics is one of the reasons why it is better to avoid spreading yourself too thin when setting goals: one or two resolutions are enough. Even if the coming year seems like a “new start”, it is better to focus your energy on rewarding and clear ambitions.