Overcome the inner bastard So it should work this time with our New Year's resolutions

Expert tips: consistently implementing good intentions in the new year

Do more sports, eat healthier and finally quit smoking: Although many people make good intentions for the New Year, but unfortunately, it often does not work well with the implementation. An expert explains how to tackle the inner bastard.

Implementation is difficult for many

Quit smoking, do more exercise, healthier diet, less stress in everyday life, less use of the smartphone: Many Germans make good intentions for the new year. The implementation is often difficult. An expert therefore has some tips to help overcome the inner bastard permanently.

It is very common to make good intentions for the new year. But many find it difficult to implement. A psychologist explains how to overcome the inner pig dog. (Image: Calado / fotolia.com)

Exaggerated intentions are usually doomed to failure

Andrea Jakob-Pannier, psychologist at the Barmer advises against unrealistic goals.

"Coated and vague New Year's resolutions are mostly doomed to failure. Promising goals are moderate, but then planned and implemented concretely, "said the expert in a statement from the health insurance.

Better than the intention "I want to do more sports" is the plan "I want to jog every Wednesday night, because I enjoy it".

The issue of excess pounds behave similarly. Instead of wanting to lose weight in the short term, it would be better to understand the connections between a balanced diet and regular exercise and to try it on yourself.

If you have reached the balance, the pounds tumbled almost by itself.

Share good intentions with family or friends

First, it is important to make such intentions, behind which one could also stand. "Anyone who wants to change something just because others expect it will not last long," says Jakob-Pannier.

Once a decision has been made, it can help to write it down and hang it up clearly. In addition, one should tell the family or friends of the project.

"Once a good intent has been clearly communicated, it's harder to simply cash it in," explains the psychologist. In addition, one should arrange escape plans.

If you want to jog in the winter, you should come up with an alternative, such as swimming, if it rains or snow outside.

Also happy about a partial success

Since all beginnings are known to be difficult, one must stick to his good intentions, especially in the first weeks. Only then will a new behavior slowly become a habit.

Nevertheless, it would not be helpful to think permanently about his new projects.

"One should pursue his good intent consistently, but also with the necessary serenity and confidence," says Jakob-Pannier.

"If you do not quite reach your goal in the desired time, you may also be happy about its partial success," said the psychologist. (Ad)