Focusing on a more mindful life instead of chasing targets creates space to reflect and be curious, even while jogging
The evidence for whether new year resolutions are effective is mixed. Make them Smart – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely – and they can be a spur to effective action. But vaguer resolutions such as “get fit”, “lose weight” or “stop wasting so much time” often conceal a deeper self-criticism that undermines our intentions.
The underlying approach is that we must simply try harder – sometimes at everything at once – and that sets us up to fail. We binge on diets, then binge on food and, finally, binge on guilt.
Vishvapani Blomfield is the Buddhist contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day and leads meditation on the RoundGlass app
