– I try to eat well, sleep a lot, I exercise a lot and have discipline. Even if there are hard days, I persevere, Thomas Fosmark tells Eiternes. The 15-year-old from Levanger is well underway with one of the week’s five sessions. So much training is needed if he is to be able to carry out his New Year’s resolution. The barbell is currently loaded with 170 kg – actually a bit of a puzzle weight for Thomas. Because the goal he is working towards is to lift almost 90 kg more. – My New Year’s resolution is to take the Norwegian record in the deadlift, smiles the 15-year-old. 170 kg is really only for warming up for this 15-year-old. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news 80 percent fail Many of us are like Thomas. We set ourselves goals for things we will accomplish in the new year, in order to have a better life and self-esteem. Although the figures vary slightly from year to year, it can be estimated that around half of the population has some form of New Year’s resolution. Everyone is probably not quite as ambitious as Thomas, but New Year’s resolutions related to training and activity are what have been at the top of the list for several years. Some have the goal of taking their first pull-up, for others this is the year they will cycle Trondheim–Oslo, and for others it is simply about pushing the threshold mile. There will be many trips to the fitness center for a good number of those with New Year’s resolutions. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news Hot on the heels of training goals, people want to eat healthier, lose weight, use less alcohol, cut down on snuff, and sleep more. Many people also want to save money and reduce screen time. But – for many people, New Year’s resolutions are starting to fall apart these days. An American study shows that as many as 80 percent of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions, and about three weeks into the new year is the turning point. In 2020, the fitness company Strava found that January 19 is the date most people break their New Year’s resolutions. Yawning too loudly According to doctor and neuroscientist Ole Petter Hjelle, there is indeed a large variation in how long people hold. Some people don’t even manage a day, while others push on a little longer. – The main point is that it takes quite a while before most cracks, says Hjelle. An important reason why many people lose the gift they have at the start of the year is that they simply gape at too much. – We will sort of do everything at once. We will eat healthier, give up snuff, exercise a lot, and get more sleep. The list is set so high that it is doomed to fail. Doctor and neuroscientist Ole Petter Hjelle is also known as the “exercise doctor”. Photo: H. PHILIP HOFGAARD / news The brain researcher points out that a New Year’s resolution is really about changing habits. Then you have to think long-term, and not believe in a quick fix in January. – Habits and bad habits are ingrained patterns of action that we have had over time, and it takes a bit to do something about them. Is it a bit difficult? Thomas Fosmark Eiternes can well understand that there are many people who break their New Year’s resolutions. He himself knows that it can be difficult. – It’s a bit of a chore to get the training to go up with school, homework and submissions. But I am motivated and willing to work for it. Thomas believes he has an advantage in that he already has good training habits. He discovered powerlifting almost two years ago, and since then he has constantly set new goals and continues. Taking the Norwegian record was actually his New Year’s resolution last year as well, but then he couldn’t do it. That’s why he’s trying again this year. – I won’t give up until I’ve done it! Although the goal is to set a record in the deadlift, Thomas makes sure that he trains other parts of his body as well. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news To fail is natural And this is precisely the thing; not to lose heart. There is no reason to go to the basement if you crack, emphasizes doctor and neuroscientist Hjelle. – Making mistakes is a natural part of all change. That is to be expected. In any case, Anne Lindmo does not judge those who crack. You have to put aside the all-or-nothing mentality, learn from the bumps in the road and rather adjust the level of ambition to something that is more realistic for you to achieve, says Hjelle. It’s a good idea to start small and let bigger changes come gradually. It is also not too late to start again if you have fallen off the load completely. You can set goals 365 days a year, and not just on New Year’s Eve, according to Hjelle. Thomas enjoys training, and according to the expert, having fun while trying to achieve your goals is essential to success. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news Remember why you are doing it To be able to carry out an intention, the neuroscientist’s best advice is to do it with pleasure. If you have goals related to exercise or food, make sure you do or eat something you at least enjoy. Allying yourself with someone is not so stupid either, as, according to Hjelle, it doubles the probability of success. In addition, he believes it is important to constantly remind yourself why you have set that particular goal. – Write down the positive things about what you have achieved and feel the feeling of mastery, says Hjelle. The motivation number After Thomas Fosmark Eiternes decided to clear the Norwegian record, he trained with one number in his head: 253.5. It is the current record in equipment deadlifts for boys aged 14–18 in the -83 kg weight class. And that motivation has so far paid off. – I have become much stronger in a short time. I notice a big difference just now in January, that I have increased quite a bit. Until now, 250 kg is the most Thomas has managed to lift. If he is to manage to set a new official record, he has two chances; either the regional championships in powerlifting in February or the Norwegian championships in April. – I’m 3.5 kg away, so I hope I can make it. For Thomas, support from family, friends and coach is important to being able to achieve the goal in the New Year’s resolution – beyond self-discipline, of course. Photo: Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg / news
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Most New Year’s resolutions burst after three weeks – Thomas (15) trains five times a week to achieve his goal – news Trøndelag
