The Kerikeri Community Fitness team Sam Knight, Trish Muldrock and centre manager Michael Podbury, are keen to help gym members stay motivated to achieve their goals. Photo / Jenny Ling
Research shows 80 per cent of New Year's resolutions fail by February. Reporter Jenny Ling talks to several experts in their fields to help you stay on track.
It started out, as they all do, with such promise.
A new year, filled with endless possibility and promises of better, improved versions of ourselves.
Yet 2020 very quickly unravelled like a giant ball of string strewn across a vastly empty international airport.
Now, with hope, we set our sights on 2021.
The Northern Advocate sought out several experts in their fields to help keep those resolutions on track, no matter what happens this year.
It's still possible to achieve the goals we set for ourselves; to join the gym, drink less, save money, quit smoking, read more books, eat more vegetables and spend more time with family and friends.
Whangārei happiness coach Linda Reid said New Year's resolutions are a good idea to take stock of your life.
However, they should be flexible as "things are changing all the time".
"What we planned for 2020 didn't happen for many of us as Covid got in the way."
However, there was a silver lining to the uncertainty the pandemic brought to our lives, Reid said.
The level 4 lockdown, and other lockdowns since, made people spend more time at home, which paved the way for creativity and projects like growing your own vegetables.
"It's good to ask what we really want in life," Reid said.
"People have found joy in doing things for themselves.
"They're discovering the joy away from the busy-ness of having to go everywhere all the time.
"Having goals like spending three months learning how to waterpaint can be more important to happiness than getting your salary up to $120,000."
Reid's advice for the coming year is to set short-term goals which can be easily accomplished.
Though it's useful to keep long term goals in mind, "make sure you get a sense of satisfaction from what you do in the short term".
"This year has been unexpected for all of us and it would have got in the way of a lot of plans for people.
"We don't know what's going on in the world but if we can set small goals, you can get the sense of satisfaction from completing them, and keep an eye out if something glittery shows up that's more exciting for you as well.
"Find something that gives you joy now."
According to online market research agency Opinion Compare, more people made resolutions last year.
The start of a new decade saw a stronger resolution from New Zealanders with 29 per cent of those surveyed declaring at least one New Year's resolution.
That was up from the 20 per cent of the population who vowed to change something in their life in 2019.
Financial mentor Christine Benner from the Northern Community Family Service said the New Year is a time many people want to sort out their finances which include getting on top of Christmas debt.
"Some come in and say their kids are starting school and they haven't got money for school uniforms. They haven't thought ahead or thought of the big picture.
"Or they want to reduce credit card debt from over Christmas, to get back on their feet."
Benner said sticking to shopping lists is essential to managing your budget, particularly in the supermarket.
Be wary of supermarket deals offering two items for a special price because "if you're only saving 20 or 30 cents it's not worth it".
"Just because something is on special doesn't mean you have to buy it.
"Sit down and work out a budget and stick to it when you go shopping.
"Make a list and stick to it and don't go shopping on an empty stomach. If you can get away with it, don't take the kids with you."
Benner's advice is to "get it sorted before it gets too hard".
When tempted to make a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item.
"Save up for something and don't put it on the card. Ask if you want it or really need it – if you don't really need it, then make do."
Quitting smoking is another top resolution for the estimated 18 per cent of Northlanders who regularly smoke according to the 2018 census.
Toki Rau, which offers free stop-smoking services for Northlanders, suggests first understanding what triggers cravings so you're better equipped to beat them.
Make the home smokefree and get rid of ashtrays, wash clothes and furnishings and clean the car and keep it smokefree.
Toki Rau also suggests changing habits and routines, trying nicotine patches and gum, and going for a walk if stressed or upset.
Importantly, don't forget to reward yourself with money saved from all those expensive ciggies.
Another top resolution is getting in shape after overindulging over the holidays.
But research shows many people who join a gym will drop out, and gyms will see a decrease in traffic after the first few months of the year.
Kerikeri Community Fitness centre manager Michael Podbury said keeping members motivated depends a lot on customer service.
Podbury, who owned a gym in Katikati for 10 years, said it's important to give everyone attention and make them feel part of the family.
"As long as people get really good service, get good programmes and are achieving and happy, they stay."
Gyms usually experience an influx of new members in February when the kids have gone back to school and people get back into their routines, he said.
During January people are still in holiday mode.
They come in for health reasons, weight loss, to increase muscle tone and flexibility and for social reasons, he said.
"It's good to start a new year with a new focus, especially after the year we've all had with Covid."
Podbury's advice is to split big goals into bite-sized chunks.
"You can aim high with your goals but make sure you break them down," he said.
"If you want to lose 10kg aim for 2kg, if you have a goal that's big that's fine, but break it into smaller goals to make it more achievable.
"And write it down. People who write down their goal and stick it on the fridge are more likely to achieve it because they can see it every day."
Podbury said it's also important to celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
"A lot of the time we don't celebrate those goals, but if we celebrate each time you do it you'll make it and stay positive.
"When you hit that 2kg reward yourself with something you really like – like a movie or a new T-shirt, but not a food reward - then aim for the next 2kg and before you know it you've hit the 10kg mark."
Exercise New Zealand chief executive Richard Beddie said healthier behaviours are valued more since Covid-19 arrived, so 2021 promises to be a more active year for Kiwis.
But those wanting to be more active next year should, first of all, enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of the festive season, he said.
"Kiwis should take a small break over Christmas but commit to being more active after New Year's Eve.
"Healthy living is about making changes for the long term, so people should focus on how well they eat and how active they should be from January 1 on."
Both kiwi, a male and female, were wild-hatched.