By Shaina Hayutin, Coach at CrossFit Newtown
It’s that time of year again. 365 days comes to a close, and a new January is approaching … the resolution chatter begins. It’s seemingly all around us, but what will these resolutions actually entail? Will they be mere chatter and nothing more? Initial hype that loses momentum? Humans get a hit of dopamine simply by talking about goals or versions of themselves they aspire to be. But are we capable of the follow through? Can we perhaps form realistic goals that we can stick with, rather than just initial psych that loses steam all too quickly?
We certainly can.
It starts with reflection and moves to small, doable action steps.
Winter brings a natural time for reflection. We ask ourselves what exactly we did this last year? How do we wish to spend the next? Did we act like the kind of person we hope to be? Did we exemplify our beliefs through our actions? Did we actually start “that thing” we kept meaning to do or did we save it for “tomorrow” and never actually get to it? Now is the time to ponder.
Call it a goal, intention, resolution- what have you. Some get enthusiastic around this notion, while others feel it’s quite tired and played out. Rather, we may simply be tired. 365 days is quite a lot of days, and the holiday season seems to bring more stress than merriment for most. This provides even more reason to carve out some vital time for stillness. For that aforementioned reflection.
Perhaps embarking towards an entire year sounds daunting, so maybe we just focus on what we want January, or that first week to look like for ourselves and our loved ones. Setting an intention can be helpful. The thing is, whatever phrasing you choose doesn’t matter so much. What matters is your purpose and your actions.
The term resolution insinuates we have some sort of concern we wish to resolve. It’s as if we are ghosts who have unfinished business we must take care of before we can move onto whatever comes after life. But we are still living, breathing human beings. So how can we make the most of our time here on planet earth? By following through on the promises we make to ourselves. It’s a practice of doing what needs to be done. Of being a reliable person who follows through on their word.
As we embark upon an entirely new year, it’s important we focus on what’s right in front of us. As Zeno said, “well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing.” Instead of making grand proclamations and extreme, unattainable goals, just start small.
That’s exactly what our nutrition challenge will aim to help you do. Instead of just talking about your aspirations, how about you work with coaches who can help you form sustainable habits that will guide you to actualize those resolutions? You are all already doing wonderful things for your physical and social health by showing up to CrossFit Newtown on a regular basis. What other small steps can you take for yourself? For your loved ones? We can help you find balance. We can help you find ways to be the kind of healthy, sound individual you strive to be. So, whatever you call your resolution this year, let us help you take the steps to get there.
Shaina Hayutin is a CrossFit Coach and Content writer at CrossFit Newtown in Newtown, PA. With a Degree in Journalism, a Level 2 CrossFit Coach, a Healthy Steps Nutrition Coach, and over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, she emphasizes the critical role that community plays in achieving optimal fitness results while maintaining long-term health and wellness.