Most New Year's resolutions related to fitness stall by January 19, according to research from Strava. Some people even endearingly call it "Quitter's Day." But that doesn't mean all hope is lost for 2022. In fact, saying good riddance to improbable resolutions—and introducing positive affirmations—could be the best thing you do this year.
"People set themselves up with unrealistic expectations and goals. When they aren't able to achieve those goals, they feel like they've failed," said Jillian Lampert, Ph.D., chief strategy officer at The Emily Program, a national eating disorder treatment program. "Affirmations could be a way to counter that disappointment and find more meaningful and sustainable ways to be in a relationship with yourself."
To help replace resolutions this year, we interviewed body positivity experts like Lampert, author Joy Cox, and leaders of Amazon's Body Positive Peers group to gather their favorite tips and affirmations. Lampert and Cox have worked with the Body Positive Peers affinity group in their efforts to help Amazon fight weight discrimination and embrace and support bodies of all sizes and abilities.
"Research out of Yale University shows that prevalence of size discrimination increased by 66% in the 2000s, comparable to rates of racial discrimination," said Shilpa Vadodaria, an executive on the Body Positive Peers board and a senior manager in U.S. Sales Strategy and Operations at Amazon. "These adverse effects intensify around the New Year as societal pressure to make weight-loss resolutions becomes ubiquitous."
Meet the wellness experts and Amazon's Body Positive Peers
John Ricchio, senior technical program manager at Amazon and Body Positive Peers member
“The creation of the Body Positive Peers group shows employees that there are folks at Amazon who are advocating for fair and kind treatment for ALL bodies. It shows that our company considers size-based prejudice a valid issue, and that it’s willing to give employees who are passionate about this issue a voice.”
Amanda Edelstein, account executive for startups at Amazon Web Services and executive on the Body Positive Peers board
"It feels very Amazon to me to be on the cutting edge with Body Positive Peers. So far, there are only two states in the U.S. that consider weight a protected class—Washington and Michigan. It's interesting to be part of such a new and important movement to support marginalized people around the world."
Dr. Joy Cox, body positivity expert and author
“When I met with the Body Positive Peers group, they asked a lot of great questions about how to talk about body image, offer support, and understand the experiences of those who live in different body sizes. Group members wanted to stand in solidarity with people who experienced weight stigma.”
Shilpa Vadodaria, executive on the Body Positive Peers board and senior manager in U.S. Sales Strategy and Operations at Amazon
"Body Positive Peers can impact people’s lives where legislation currently does not offer protection. The very existence of the group signals that Amazon understands size discrimination exists and wants to support our efforts to create body equity."
Laura Lawrence-Mobbs, learning experience designer at Amazon and Body Positive Peers board member
"I'm so grateful that Amazon is embracing the values of the Body Positive Peers group. We have leadership that recognizes the importance of body positivity and takes it seriously. It feels good to know that we're realizing this need worldwide."
Jillian Lampert Ph.D, chief strategy officer at The Emily Program
“The Body Positive Peers group is a fantastic resource for employees. If we could all have relationships with our bodies that are positive and meaningful, that would extend to make an impact out into the greater world.”
If you're ready to swap your resolutions for affirmations in the New Year, here are six ideas.