Did you know that the second Friday of January has been dubbed “Quitter’s Day”? It’s the day when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that around 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February, and Quitter’s Day serves as a reminder of just how common it is to lose motivation early in the year.
But why does this happen, and how can we beat the odds?
Why Do We Quit?
The reasons people give up on their resolutions are varied, but some of the most common include:
- Unrealistic Goals: Setting goals that are too ambitious or vague, like “lose 50 pounds” or “get in shape,” without a concrete plan to achieve them.
- Lack of Immediate Results: People often expect quick progress, and when they don’t see instant changes, they lose motivation.
- No Support System: Trying to make significant changes alone can feel isolating and overwhelming.
- All-or-Nothing Mentality: Missing one workout or indulging in one unhealthy meal leads to a mindset of failure, making it easier to quit altogether.
The Science of Resolutions
A Strava study analyzing 31.5 million activities found that most people abandon their fitness-related goals just 19 days into January. The combination of post-holiday fatigue, colder weather, and the grind of returning to routine can make even the most determined person lose steam.
How to Avoid Becoming a Quitter’s Day Statistic
At Blackstone River CrossFit, we believe the key to sticking with your goals lies in strategy and community. Here are our top tips for staying the course:
1. Set SMART Goals
Instead of vague resolutions, set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” commit to something like, “I will work out three times a week and increase my water intake to 100 ounces per day.”
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One bad day doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It’s just a bump in the road. Focus on what you can control today, and don’t let setbacks derail you.
3. Find Your Tribe
Being part of a supportive community like Blackstone River CrossFit can make all the difference. Knowing that others are cheering for you, sharing your struggles, and holding you accountable can keep you motivated. We offer group classes and Personal Training to help fast track your success.
4. Track Your Success
We’re big believers in tracking metrics to see how far you’ve come. Tools like the Oxiline Scale MD Pro allow our members to sync their progress, making it easier to stay committed and celebrate wins, big or small.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
Every step forward is worth celebrating. Whether it’s completing your first week of workouts or hitting a hydration goal, recognizing your progress builds momentum and keeps you motivated. Every Friday, we encourage our members to share a Bright Spot Friday in our community Facebook group. This is a chance to highlight something you’re proud of from the week—whether it’s making it to every workout, staying consistent with your nutrition plan, or even achieving something outside the gym, like a promotion at work.
Taking a moment to recognize your wins and share them with others is incredibly powerful (it’s not bragging or egotistical). Not only does it help you celebrate your progress, but it also inspires and motivates our entire community. Together, we cheer each other on and build the momentum to keep striving for positive change!
A Challenge to Beat Quitter’s Day
If you’re already feeling your motivation waver, don’t worry—it’s never too late to refocus.
Remember, Quitter’s Day isn’t an inevitable fate—it’s a choice. By making small, sustainable changes and leaning into the support of our community, you can prove the statistics wrong and make 2025 your best year yet.
Don’t Quit—Commit!
Are you ready to take the next step toward your goals? Let’s beat Quitter’s Day together!
