Recharged and Revitalized
January 16, 2025
H3ALTH Talk • Episode 20
February 3, 2025
By Anne Poirier
The Secret to Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions: The Power of a Releasolution
Did you know that as we roll into February, over 75% of people who set New Year’s Resolutions have already failed? Many set out with good intentions, wanting to change habits or improve their lives—but then POOF, just like that, the momentum and inspiration disappear.
If this has happened to you, don’t stress. You are not alone. This lapse in behavior change happens for many reasons, and it’s completely normal. One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is simply because we tend to make too many of them.
The Problem: Too Many Resolutions
When the New Year rolls around, we have big ideas about everything we want to change. But the truth is, if you focus on just one resolution, your chance of success goes up to an impressive 86%! However, over 80% of us choose two or more resolutions, which significantly lowers the success rate to around 35%.
Trying to change too many things at once leads to feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and ultimately sets you up for failure.
The Key to Success: One Resolution
Here’s why picking just one resolution is so effective:
- Not fully committed: Trying to juggle too many goals means you’re not willing to do what it takes to make each one successful.
- Spread too thin: With too much to focus on, you become too busy and lose sight of your most important priorities.
- Loss of motivation: As the novelty wears off, it’s easy to lose motivation for one or more of your resolutions.
- Lack of a plan: Without a clear plan, it becomes overwhelming to commit to multiple resolutions.
- Drastic changes: Too many big changes in too many areas can be unsustainable in the long run.
- Self-doubt: You might not believe that you can achieve all of them at once, which is known as “self-efficacy”—the belief that you can succeed.
Good News: You’re Not Alone!
If you’re feeling frustrated or disappointed because you didn’t keep your resolution, don’t worry—there’s still time! We’ve got a new concept here at Hilton Head Health that can help you reset your mindset and move forward with success.
Introducing: The Releasolution
A Releasolution is a unique concept we use to help you let go of things that no longer serve you. It’s about freeing yourself from habits, mindsets, or resolutions that are draining your energy and preventing you from living the life you truly want.
What Is a Releasolution?
A Releasolution allows you to release something that’s weighing you down—whether it’s an unachievable resolution, a negative mindset, or anything else that’s creating stress, overwhelm, or anxiety in your life.
This could be as simple as letting go of extra resolutions, so you have just one to focus on. Or it might involve releasing a mindset that is standing in your way—such as negative self-talk, perfectionism, or excessive worry.
Why Releasing Matters
When you release things that don’t support your goals, you free up mental space, emotional energy, and time for what truly matters to you. This allows you to focus on things that are:
- Freeing and energizing
- Productive and supportive
- Uplifting and pleasurable
- Purposeful and inspiring
The beauty of a Releasolution is that you can do it anytime! It’s all about awareness. The first step in any change is realizing what’s no longer serving you.
Examples of a Releasolution
Let’s say you’ve been stressed about a decision you made, and you’ve spent 45 minutes overthinking it. When you become aware that this worry is only stealing time from the present moment, you can choose to release it. Now you have more mental space to focus on what truly matters—like being present at your daughter’s basketball game!
2025 can be the year that you embrace the Releasolution—a year of resetting, refocusing, and being more present in your life.
How to Start Your Releasolution Journey
Here are two ways to begin your Releasolution:
1. Let Go of Extra Resolutions
If you made more than one resolution and are struggling to stick with them, try releasing all but ONE. Then, make the decision to fully commit to that single resolution. Ask yourself:
- Will this help me move toward my goals?
- Is it sustainable in the long term?
- Do I believe I can achieve it? (Self-efficacy is key!)
- Does it align with my values?
This helps you connect with your why—why this goal matters to you and how you want to show up for yourself and others.
2. Release Limiting Mindsets
Sometimes, our mindsets hold us back from success. If you find that your thinking is getting in the way of moving forward, it may be time to release one of these common mindsets:
- All-or-nothing thinking: “I ate something I shouldn’t have; now I’ve blown it.”
- Perfectionism: “If I can’t work out perfectly, I might as well not bother.”
- Negative thinking: “I’ll never be smart enough to pass that test.”
- Comparison: “I’ll never be as successful as others, so why even try?”
- Excessive worry: Constantly overthinking or worrying about “what ifs.”
- Procrastination: The “I’ll do it later” mentality.
- Fear of failure: “I can’t work out because I never stick with it.”
These mindsets can set you up for failure before you even get started. Take time to evaluate what’s holding you back and let it go.
Final Thoughts
As we move into the new year, take a moment to ask yourself: How do I want to show up in my life? Then, think about what might be standing in your way.
Ask yourself: What is ONE thing I can release to help me move toward my goal or become the person I want to be?
It’s time to make 2025 the year of the Releasolution—a year of transformation and growth!