So, here we are in December – that came quickly, didn’t it? And, every December, the same pattern plays out: people eat to excess, drink far too much, celebrate, stay up late, likely skipping a few workouts as they’re ‘tired’ as a result… and then wake up convinced they’ve “ruined everything."
The scale jumps a few pounds. The routine goes out the window. And that motivation feels like it’s gone into hibernation. And so, out comes the line I hear every year, as regular as Last Christmas, All I want For Christmas or The Fairytale of New York: “I’ll start again in January.”
But here’s the truth that, unlike some Christmas music, never gets old: Your body doesn’t know it’s December, and it doesn’t wait for deadlines…it responds to whatever you choose to do next. That’s the key — not perfection, not punishment, not clean slates. Just your next choice.
The December Trap: All-or-Nothing Thinking
Most people don’t “fail” in December because they ate a bunch of mince pies…they “fail” because of what they tell themselves after the mince pies. Stuff like “Well…that’s it, I’ve blown it now.” Or perhaps “I’ll just enjoy December and fix it later.” Or more than likely “With everything going on, there’s just no point for the next few weeks”
This is the real problem: the gap between where you are and where you think you should be becomes so big, you stop trying altogether. And, ironically, this mindset doesn’t just show up around fitness. It shows up everywhere: you had a tough week at work? → “I’m useless.”A date doesn’t go well? → “I’m unlovable.” A project slips? → “I’m not cut out for this or I’m just no good.” One setback suddenly defines the whole story.
But here’s the good news: you’re not broken. You haven’t messed everything up. You’re just human. And what if your December features dinners, late nights and celebrations with friends? They’re part of your life. They’re not your failure to control yourself - they’re a moment. So, what really matters now isn’t what has happened - it’s what you choose to do next.
Don’t wait for January. Start with a 5 out of 10 today.
This big misconception is that people often think the choice is between “perfect” or “nothing”. Actually, most of your progress happens in the middle - the 5s, 6s and 7s out of 10 as it were. Stuff like:
- A 30-minute walk
- A basic workout at home
- Drinking a couple of litres of water
- A good breakfast
- One decent decision
- Squeezing in that workout between parties
They might not feel dramatic – because they’re not really. But – and it’s a big but - they absolutely count. They’re the difference between sliding backwards or ticking forwards. A five is always better than a zero, every time.
So, Let Go — and Move Forward
Let’s be clear - letting go is not giving up. It’s about choosing not to punish yourself for being human. Moving forward is the part that matters. It tells your brain: “I can recover. I can restart. I can do this.”
- Ate more than planned? Fine, drink water, get out and move
- Missed a few workouts? So make the time and do one today
- Feeling tired? Stretch, breathe, go for a walk and change your scenery
Remember, every small action breaks the pattern of perfection → guilt → procrastination → nothing. This is how you build momentum in December…instead of waiting for January.
So, here’s my December challenge to you:
- Kill the perfectionism – you’re human, just like the rest of us
- Bin the “start again next year” script – it’s about the here and now
- Stop beating yourself up – what good will it do you?
- Do the best you can – that’s all any of us can do
- Do something rather than nothing – no one ever regretted a workout
- And keep a little rhythm going – build on the small wins….they all add up
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to turn your life upside down. You just need to start before the calendar does. Remember, your health doesn’t care what month it is…but it will always reward the choices you make today.
