It’s that time of year when resolutions are on our minds. But here’s the thing: most resolutions aren’t actually resolutions at all. They’re wishes. And there’s a huge difference.
The word “resolution” comes from “resolve”—to decide firmly on a course of action. Not maybe. Not hopefully. Firmly.
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So if you want to make real, lasting change this year, here are the four biggest mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Not Actually Deciding
We say “I’d love to lose weight” or “I should eat healthier,” but these are New Year’s wishes, not decisions.
The difference? When you truly decide, you come back to that decision even when you stumble. Think about something you’ve successfully changed in your life. It started with a real decision.
Try this: Imagine yourself 12 months from now, exactly the same as you are today in this area. If that feels genuinely awful—not just disappointing—you’re ready to decide.
Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Weight Loss
If losing weight is your goal, the fastest path isn’t always the best one. Juice cleanses and meal replacements might get quick results, but at what cost?
Instead of restriction, choose a sustainable approach. Yes, it might be slower, but you’ll actually enjoy the journey. And you’ll develop skills that last a lifetime, not just a few miserable weeks.
Mistake #3: Making Big Sweeping Changes
“I’m cutting out all carbs!” “I’m going full carnivore!” Sound familiar?
These dramatic changes might be tempting, but they take massive effort and often make us miserable. The secret? Tiny habits instead.
Small, incremental changes done consistently over time create lasting transformation. When you change gradually, these new habits become ingrained—they become your new normal. Eventually, it feels weird not to do them.
Mistake #4: Not Planning for Bad Habits
You can eat salad all day, but if you’re still binging on ice cream at night, you’re stuck in the same place.
Real change often comes from removing or reducing unhealthy patterns, not just adding good ones. And here’s the beautiful part: focusing on what to stop doing means you’re actually doing less, not adding more to your plate.
Bonus: Change Your Identity
While you’re working on habits, work on how you see yourself too.
If you want to be someone who cooks nourishing meals but you still see yourself as “someone who hates cooking,” the change will feel like pushing a boulder uphill.
Ask yourself: What would the naturally healthy version of me do in this situation? Give that version of yourself a name.
Then start making decisions from that place.
In your corner
Jules xx
(Your favourite Australian Food Scientist)
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