Thinking of resolutions for the New Year?

With 2023 just minutes away, many of us probably have resolutions in mind for the new year. History tells us that most people probably overshoot in their desired plans to change or to do new things over the next 12 months.

The observation that only about 10% of all new year’s resolutions survive beyond mid-February is not an indication that our will power is to blame. It is more likely that the real culprits are the vague and/or unrealistic nature of many resolutions we end up making.  

Experts tell us that the resolutions likely to have staying power are the “realistic” ones that come with a “plan.”

That doesn’t mean we can’t have aspirational goals for the year ahead but it does suggest that if there are concrete steps associated with our lofty goals, those goals have much better chances of being realized. It is often said that goals without plans are merely wishes.

Gym memberships invariably become more popular in the first few months of the year as a popular resolution is to be “healthier.” Perhaps, “dance for 5 minutes twice a week” or “lose 5 pounds in 12 months” are more specific and within reason. If we are living with disabilities, taking a different perspective may be of benefit.

Taking the first steps is an often difficult but necessary part of the process in getting to the end goals. It’s always better to continue with small steps, even if it seems that you’re making little progress. If you hit a slow patch in the journey, accept it with the understanding and intention that that you are going to get started again soon. Don’t let a lapse become a relapse! It may take a few or many false starts before you get momentum built in the right direction.

Better yet, consider sharing your resolutions with people you think will hold you responsible for maintaining the efforts you’ll need to make to achieve them. The best coaches are those who get you to do the things you least want to do in order to accomplish the things you desire the most. Some find it helpful to keep themselves accountable by sharing their resolutions on social media. If you do so, be prepared for unsolicited advice from distant connections.

In the December 2022 Healthy Minds Monthly poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), more people (25%) reported that they anticipated experiencing more stress in the new year compared to the same poll from December 2021. Also up from last year’s poll was the number of people surveyed (29%) who said they would adopt new year’s resolutions related to their mental health.

A breakdown of the more popular ones among these resolutions showed that the top three resolutions were:

1st       Exercise more             (68%)              

2nd       Meditate                      (45%)

3rd        See a therapist           (38%)

 24% said that a source of anxiety about 2023 was keeping their New Year’s resolutions!

Changing the way we do things can lead us to achieving what we have in mind whether we call them resolutions or by any other name. Those changes involve gaining an understanding of our comfort zones we tend to revert to. The interruption of behavioral cycles that have previously interfered in allowing us to move forward is an integral part of achieving these goals and succeeding in our new year’s resolutions for 2023 and the years ahead.

Best wishes on all your journeys in the coming year!