Resolutions don't work.

It's that time of year when self-proclaimed 'experts' emerge from the shadows, eager to share the latest and greatest ways to stick to your New Year's resolutions. But what if I told you that merely making a resolution doesn't bring you any closer to achieving it? Let's dissect what a resolution truly represents. According to the trusty old dictionary, a resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or not to do something.

And here lies the challenge. A decision, on its own, lacks the necessary components for success. It doesn't include setting timelines, progressing from one action step to the next, or maintaining a record of achievements.

Instead of resolutions, I prefer to set intentions that are closely tied to specific goals. In fact, I keep my list concise, focusing on just two or three objectives to accomplish in 2024:

1. Integrate more weight training (and reduce cardio) into my workouts.
2. Stay more hydrated.
3. Read more books.

These intentions can easily be transformed into well-defined goals with actionable steps. Let's take the first one, for instance: integrating more weight training into my fitness routine.

During the holiday season, my family and I invested in a squat rack for our garage gym, along with a new set of dumbbells. I also sought guidance from Chat GPT to fine-tune my workout plan based on my current status, available equipment, and desired fitness goals. Here's what my weights workout plan now looks like:

• 6 days a week of weight training, with the option to go for 7 if I'm feeling particularly motivated.
• Workouts typically last 25-35 minutes, with the flexibility to adjust the weight according to my energy levels on any given day.

Furthermore, I'm actively seeking out podcasts and books that align with this fitness philosophy, starting with "Outlive" by Peter Attia.

As you can see, what initially appeared as a vague New Year's Resolution has evolved into a clear intention supported by well-defined goals and actionable steps. It's a simple way to ensure that you move forward with any kind of goal, intention, or life change that is meaningful to you.