Mental Health Awareness

                                Making New Year's Resolutions a Positive Experience

Like a plate of homemade fudge at a holiday party, New Year ’s resolutions have a short life.  In fact, most resolutions made in January are completely forgotten by February.  Just ask any fitness club about the activity associated with January enrollees.  According to a poll posted on USA.gov, the following are the most common New Year’s Resolutions:

 

• Lose Weight	• Drink Less Alcohol
• Pay Off Debt	• Quit Smoking Now
• Save Money	• Reduce Stress Overall
• Get a Better Job	• Reduce Stress at Work
• Get Fit	• Take a Trip
• Eat Right	• Volunteer to Help Others
• Get a Better Education

And unfortunately, most of these are the things in life that take the most commitment, effort, and lifestyle changes.   As a result, they make the New Year’s resolutions list year after year after year.  Making New Year’s resolutions become a reality is not out of reach. 

Here’s four easy steps for making goal setting a positive experience rather than a stressful disappointment that nags at you all year long:

1. Choose the Right Resolution
Think about what you really want and why you want it.   Is it important enough for you to stick to it?  Why is meeting this goal important to you and how will if affect your life?  Once you determine which goals are most important for you to meet this year, set some boundaries and expectations.  For example, lose weight by your 30-year High  School Reunion will make it more serious and real than simply just hoping to lose weight eventually.

2. Create a Plan
Instead of thinking about doing something, create a written action plan that will inspire and motivate you to complete the steps necessary to succeed.   With a plan, your chances of reaching your goal are much higher.  Your plan should include the necessary steps, a timeline, and thoughts for how you might overcome any obstacles that may get in the way.  Share your plan with someone who can help you stay focused.

3. Stay on Track
Don ’t write your goals in a journal that you never open and review.  Write a list and keep it visible so that you are always reminded of them, and what you need to do today and tomorrow to reach them.

4. Remain Flexible and Keep On Going
Life is ever-changing and sometimes too are our goals.   You may realize that your goal set in January is no longer appropriate come May.  For example, trying to lose weight once you’ve discovered you have a serious illness may not be the wisest course of action at the time.  Changing goals doesn’t mean you’re a failure, but rather it means you have the wisdom to see your priorities, the ability to accept unexpected changes in life, and the courage to make change.  You may also realize that your timelines or other parts of your plan aren’t realistic once you get into a project.  Again, there is nothing wrong with change as long as you do it for the right reasons.

For more information, visit mygoals.com, or call us at 303.617.2300 to talk to a personal counselor specializing in life coaching.