Approaching the New Year’s Resolution: Setting Yourself Up for Success
As the calendar flips from 2024 to 2025, many of us may feel the invitation to reassess our habits and lifestyle choices. The new year may provide a time to determine which aspects of our lives are conducive to our growth and wellbeing, and which aspects may be improved upon or changed. According to CBS News however, less than 10% of those who set new years resolutions are successful in their goals. This statistic, while alarming, may provide us with insight as to what changes are reasonable and sustainable, and how we may utilize a mental health oriented-approach in 2025 and in years to come.
Among communities, groups, and media sources, we notice trends in resolutions. Perhaps one of the most common goals is to lose weight, whether through a change in diet and eating habits, a new fitness routine, or a combination of factors. Others may decide that they would like to reduce or eliminate substance use, especially alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine. Some express a desire to save money, improve their finances, or eliminate debt. Each of these goals demonstrate a desire for change, and in many cases a motivation for self-improvement. However, understanding and planning for common drawbacks among New Year’s Resolutions can set us up for success, and ensure that our resolutions are indeed realistic and in the best interest of our mental health and wellbeing.
Some New Year’s Resolutions can be vague, and lack specific goals and objectives:
Each of the aforementioned resolutions involve a lofty goal. While these and other resolutions are certainly possible, they may be susceptible to falling short when they do not include specific action planning. Consider the resolution of improving one’s financial situation. What steps will be involved? What is the most optimal timeframe to achieve this goal? What sacrifices will have to be made, and is it reasonable to make them? One way that we may define specific goals and objectives in our New Year’s Resolutions is to implement SMART goals. These are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Utilizing this format may allow us to define goals more thoroughly, considering multiple perspectives, benefits, and barriers
2. Many of these changes may be too abrupt:
The spirit of moving into a new year may influence us to turn over a new leaf, or make abrupt lifestyle changes. While this may be realistic for some, a slower and more measured approach may be best for others. For example, if we aim to eliminate use of a particular substance, “quitting cold turkey” may result in a higher risk of relapse. We may instead consider a slower transition, tapering off usage over several weeks or months. Perfection in these goals overnight may not be realistic, and a high degree of compassion and grace for ourselves may be necessary.
3. Societal influence may play too great a role in goal-setting:
When setting New Year’s Resolutions, we must also consider our motivations, or our “why”. What influences can we attribute to our goals? Are we making a change for ourselves, or for those around us? Do our motivations truly come from within? This is a vital possibility to consider in the example of weight loss. While implementing a variety of healthy eating habits and a fitness routine can certainly be beneficial, societal influence may skew our goals toward appearance instead of wellness. When goal-setting in the interest of our mental health, we must align our goals with our personal values, and implement self-care throughout any changes we choose to make.
In closing, New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to create and enact positive change, but specific planning and consideration of extraneous factors may be necessary for success. By setting realistic goals, focusing on personal values, and approaching the process with self-compassion, you can make resolutions that uplift and empower you.