Making New Year’s resolutions is a common practice in our society. There is just something encouraging and hopeful about starting a new year with promises to improve our lives. Any other time of year, this practice would simply be known as setting goals. However, the New Year can bring an extra jolt of motivation to make lifestyle changes.
When making decisions on goals you want to reach, remember not to overwhelm yourself with too many items on your resolution list. Having a short list of specific, measurable, and attainable goals will increase the chance that you will actually meet them. Take things slowly, breaking down your goals into small steps. Another helpful hint is to ask someone to join you. This will improve accountability as you change habits or work toward other goals. Finally, make sure you are meeting your own needs rather than succumbing to the demands of others.
Above all, remember you are human. Some days you will be more successful than others. Stay focused on the positive steps you have made rather than becoming consumed with the few negative encounters along the way. Lifestyle changes take time, patience, and repeated efforts.
(Harvard Health Letter, Vol.3, 1/06. Obtained from www.health.harvard.edu, 12/07). (NEA Today, vol. 22, 2/04. Obtained from http://web.ebschohost.com, 12/07).
Hi, Lorna. I was just wondering if you are still blogging.
OK, so I’m going to be your contrarian because I hate New Years’Resolutions. I know the intentions are good but . . . the results are often so dismal. You’re right, I think, that baby steps would be a better way to approach them; however, I’m thinking that if a change / commitment is REALLY important, you’ll make the change / commitment when it becomes apparent rather than waiting until January 1.
Just my two cents! Thanks for posting!
Tamara G. Suttle, M.Ed.,LPC
http://www.AllThingsPrivatePractice.com
http://www.TamaraSuttle.com
You do make a good point. I do agree that true, lasting change will happen when a person is ready to make that change, regardless of the date on the calendar. However, for some people (myself included)there is something emotional and psychological about the idea of a fresh start of a new year to give an extra “push” to make a positive change. I find a similar boost in the fall- something about the old school days of September and a fresh new school year. This isn’t logical- but emotional.