New Year, New You?
As the new year approaches, most of us have good intentions to start our resolutions on January 1st. We tell ourselves this year will be different and we will attain these goals we set forth. The first few days or weeks of January start out really well. But by the time February rolls around, most of our resolutions or good intentions have faded.
So how can we approach New Year’s resolutions in a way that supports our determination and drive in the beginning and focuses on our mental health and well-being.
1. Start with self-compassion, not self-criticism
Resolutions often come from a place of “I’m not enough”: We say things like, I am not fit enough, not organized enough, not successful enough. This negative mindset can increase our anxiety and shame, making change actually harder to achieve.
Instead of starting with negativity, start your self-talk and resolutions from a place of compassion. When we identify positive aspects in ourselves and recognize that wanting to grow or change aspects of ourselves is not a bad thing but a way to encourage self-compassion and self-worth.
2. Focus on values, not just what you can measure
Typically resolutions are often things you can measure: I need to lose 10 pounds or I need to save a specific amount of money. These goals are measurable, but they can sometimes feel not fulfilling if they’re not connected to a personal value you have.
You may want to switch your perspective to a values-based approach where you look at not just what you can achieve but what kind of person you want to become. For example, instead of “I will go to the gym five days a week,” you can say “I want to become healthier and take care of my body this year.”
Having a values based approach can create more motivation to focus on our behavior and make those changes even when things become difficult or challenging.
3. Set flexible goals
It’s great to have specific goals and resolutions, however when we set very rigid goals we may not always achieve them and that may fuel our disappointment and self-doubt more.
Instead a healthier mindset shift would be to approach resolutions and any type of change with flexibility. Instead of focusing on an all or nothing mentality we shift our mindset to a neutral and more balanced approach, which makes success more imminent.
4. Celebrate the small wins
Celebrate the small wins each time you engage in growth and change. If you only focus on the big gains you are missing out on gaining self-compassion, self-encouragement and self confidence. Celebrating the small wins help you to continue to grow and make those adjustments so you can reach those goals and your fullest potential.
The new year is a great way to begin a new personal journey of self-compassion and discovery. We know that the journey may not always be linear and can sometimes be challenging. Elite Psychology and Wellness is here to help you navigate the new year and to help you on your personal journey as you go. Reach out today to one of our therapists so that we can support you on your path to success!
