Overview
- Friday, Jan. 9, marks National Quitter’s Day, widely cited as the point when many people abandon New Year’s resolutions and some reports say about half have already lapsed.
- Fitness professionals report packed gyms in early January as motivation peaks and many newcomers seek a fresh start that includes mental as well as physical change.
- Health experts warn that vague targets commonly fail and urge setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.
- Counselors note that resolutions driven by external pressure tend to collapse, recommending goals rooted in personal values consistent with self-determination theory.
- Suggested tactics include using an accountability partner, stacking new habits onto existing routines, celebrating small wins, and limiting aims to one or two, with one gym representative saying personal training can raise success rates to around 70 percent.