It’s that time of year again: New Year’s resolutions! This is the time of year people promise themselves they will exercise, eat healthy, lose weight, start that new hobby, etc. Most New Year’s resolutions end up falling away after a month or so. But how do you set yourself up to keep going? Here are some tips:
1) Start with a goal that feels manageable and sustainable.
2) Set a time period you think you think you can sustain that resolution. For instance, maybe you want to focus on one month instead of a whole year – that can be overwhelming. After a month, then, you can re-evaluate your goal and set another. Maybe you want to keep going, or maybe you need to adjust because your goal turned out to be too lofty.
3) Reward yourself for success. After you achieve a time limited goal, reward yourself with self-nurturing that is not inconsistent with your goals. You wouldn’t reward sustained sobriety with a drink, so don’t reward your healthy eating with a gallon of ice cream. Try a massage, a healthy dinner out, a movie, etc.
4) Enlist support. It can be easier to move forward in your resolution when you have a cheerleader or someone else to do it with. This also gives you accountability when you are sharing your goals.
5) Be kind to yourself. If you can’t make your goal, re-evaluate. Start where you can see success!
6) Good luck and Happy New Year!
Kirsten Helgager PsyD
Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516
