With the holidays behind us, the season of resolutions has firmly begun. All around the world, gyms will rake in new memberships, guilty pleasures will be set aside, and ambitious goalposts will be set up—whether that be numbers on the scale, miles run, dollars saved, or books read.
A 2023 survey conducted by Forbes Health, however, revealed the average New Years’ resolution only lasts 3.74 months. By the end of the year, only six percent of participants said they were still practicing the commitments they’d made on January 1.
In 2024, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is stepping up to raise that number, at least here in Louisiana. Through its newly-launched Small Shifts campaign, Pennington Biomedical is emphasizing the power of sustainable goal-setting, and the impact that small, achievable changes can have on our health.
Why Most Resolutions Fail
While setting lofty goals might seem like the best and fastest way to achieve real results, studies have shown time and again that the realities of making major lifestyle changes too quickly almost always result in failure. Drastically altering your daily routines and eating habits, or pushing your physical limits, can quickly result in burnout and discouragement, which in turn can result in stress and be bad for mental health.
How the “Small Shift” Approach Can Change Resolutions
While less grand and often overlooked, the work of setting smaller goals—such as drinking more water or taking a daily walk—can yield huge results. Small, consistent shifts in our daily routines and decision-making patterns can be more seamlessly integrated into our life—setting us up for success. This success is then bolstered by feelings of accomplishment and motivation to take the next step on your journey to achieve long-term health.
How to Take Part in Pennington Biomedical’s “Small Shifts” Program
Participants in the free Small Shifts program will receive the official Small Shifts Health Journal filled with information and resources on nutrition, exercise, and creating balanced meals—as well as a habit tracker, a meal planner, and recipes straight from the Metabolic Research Kitchen at Pennington Biomedical. You’ll also receive monthly emails, in which experts will guide you through each new “small shift.” By signing up, you are also automatically entering yourself into Pennington Biomedical’s monthly Small Shifts Giveaways—during which you might win anything from Pennington Biomedical water bottles to Bluetooth earbuds. Earn a bonus entry by sharing your success stories on social media, and tagging Pennington Biomedical on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Some “Small Shifts” to Get Started on Today
If the pace of making a new change every month feels a little too slow for you, Pennington Biomedical offers some great suggestions for “Small Shifts” to incorporate alongside the campaign’s main focus each month, including:
- Swapping out sugary beverages (processed juices, sodas, or alcohol) for infused water
- Setting aside ten 10 minutes of stretching or walking each day
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Prioritizing consistent sleep
Sign up to take part in Pennington Biomedical’s “Small Shifts” program at pbrc.edu/smallshifts.
