Have you ever broken a New Year's resolution? You’re in good company. Many people fail due to the simple fact of overestimating what we can accomplish in the short term and underestimating the long-term perspective. So, if you want to kickstart the new year and establish new, healthy habits – like exercising – there are better ways than to put your trust in a New Year's resolution.
Friction and motivation
Two things with a major impact on whether you will successfully establish a habit are motivation and friction. In simple terms, how much you want it and how much effort it will take.
I’ve managed to maintain my exercise routine for ten years; through two educations, three jobs, one marriage, and two children. Mainly because I try to remove as many obstacles as possible. If I’m planning on hitting the gym on my lunch break, I put on gym clothes in the morning. By that, I’ve removed the obstacle of changing twice. I ride my bike 17 kilometers one way from suburbia and 17 kilometers back home again, hence sneak in exercise to another activity I can’t avoid.
Take care of your gym clothes
The other factor is motivation. You’ve probably been told buying new gym clothes will boost your spirit. But that’s not what I recommend – quite the opposite. New gym clothes might spark enough motivation for your first gym session, but comfortable workout wear is what’ll get you through the 323rd sweaty routine.
I hardly ever buy new gym clothes. But I do take excellent care of the ones I already have. Giving them some tender love and caring is worthwhile. The most comfortable gym clothes are the ones that have been adjusted after your body over time.