Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

Do you feel the pressure of improving your life for the better with a New Year’s resolution? This time of the year is always so exciting. There are many celebrations, gatherings, and the ringing in of the new year. However, this time of the year is not free from anxiety, stress, and hesitations. We often over-extend ourselves with all the additional events and responsibilities.  On top of that we add additional stress by making a resolution to improve our lives.  To further add to this stress, we may feel the pressure to “improve our lives” or “better ourselves” through New Year’s Resolutions.

Making Resolutions

According to polls, around 44% of Americans have reported making a New Year’s Resolution for the coming year. I personally make resolutions nearly every year. I cannot tell you how many of these I have started, felt very motivated, and for a while, have been very successful. However, I am sure many of you have felt this way. Regardless of how motivated I am in the beginning, life always gets in the way, and I eventually stop working on my resolution. If you have experienced this before you are not alone!

Research shows that around 55% of people who start a New Year’s Resolution end up quitting within a month. Creating an approach-oriented goal along with being flexible then you can make an informed decision about how to bring in the New Year.

Approach-Oriented Goals

One thing to consider about our New Year’s Resolution is how we frame what we want to accomplish. Approach-oriented goals are goals that focus on obtaining or maintaining the desired outcome. Avoidance-oriented goals focus on avoiding or eliminating undesired outcomes. Studies have shown that when we focus on approach-oriented goals we are more likely to be successful. It is easy to think of approach-oriented goals like going to the gym more, calling your family more often, or eating at home. However, it may be hard to think of ways to make avoidance-oriented goals into something more positive. Re-framing something undesirable will help you be more successful.  An example would be instead of avoiding soda, try to make a goal of drinking more water or fruit infused sparkling water. Regardless of what you are wanting to accomplish, focus on increasing desirable behaviors in your life.

Have Flexibility

One of the most recommended changes for our New Year’s Resolutions is to apply the concept of goal flexibility. This term basically means that we need to view our goal and understand:

1. There are multiple ways to reach our goals.
2. Setbacks are going to happen, but that doesn’t mean failure.
   
3. Regroup and try a new approach.
   
4. Utilize an accountability partner.

If our goal is to work out to live a healthier lifestyle and we get sick or injured we need to have some flexibility to accomplish our goal.  For example, instead of working out at the gym, do some light exercises at home. Being inflexible in our pursuit of an unattainable goal, leads to self-criticism. This can result in setbacks. Being flexible and gracious to ourselves when life gets in the way helps us be more successful in our pursuit of New Year’s Resolutions.  

Be Gracious

I know this time of the year is exciting but it can be very difficult. Please be gracious to yourself as you move into the New Year. If you choose to make a New Year’s Resolution, consider making one that helps you increase desirable behaviors. Remember to be flexible in the way you reach that goal. If you decide not to set any New Year’s Resolutions that is okay. Finally, be gracious to yourself and support to others who are working towards a resolution.