It’s the New Year — time for a fresh beginning! With that in mind, perhaps you’re considering a resolution to start the year off right? You may have spent the last few weeks thinking about something in your life that you’d like to change or improve. As 2024 comes to a close and we turn the page to a new year, it creates an opportune time to make that happen. Keep in mind, however, that the overwhelming majority of New Year’s resolutions fail by March. Let’s consider how you might beat the odds and make your resolutions successful in 2025.
Start with small steps. It’s okay to commit to a challenging goal, but make sure it’s manageable. This is best accomplished by setting small goals rather than large ones you can’t possibly sustain. For instance, rather than simply deciding to get out of debt, create steps for achieving that goal. It could be anything from giving up your morning lattes to taking on a second job. Then determine how much you might be able to save each week and gradually let your successes propel you forward.
Establish accountability. Something as simple as writing your goals in a notebook can increase your chances of success. Or write them on a sticky note and place it on your computer screen where it’s a visible reminder of what you’d like to accomplish. You might also share your goals with a friend or loved one who will cheer you on and motivate you to succeed. These can be effective methods for making yourself accountable.
Make sure you’re ready. It may be tempting to declare a New Year’s resolution simply because it seems like the thing to do this time of year. But if you’re not ready to make the change, you probably won’t succeed. Experts agree that change only comes when you reach a point where not making the change is more uncomfortable or painful than changing.
To determine if you’re ready to adopt a certain resolution, start by asking yourself why you want to change. For instance, writing a book may seem glamorous, but it’s a big endeavor. If you don’t like to write, you’re probably going to fall short at completing the task. Timing is also a factor. You might contemplate being an author, but right now you’re not ready to take action. A lot more thought and preparation may need to take place in order for you to succeed.
Here’s the bottom line: New Year’s resolutions are fun, and they can be effective if done right. But remember that breaking the task into small, manageable steps is critical for success, along with establishing accountability. Above all, you must be ready for the change. If you’re not committed, and the timing is off, your resolution may be doomed from the start.
Image by Nicky ❤️🌿🐞🌿❤️ from Pixabay
Dr. David Lowenstein is a Columbus, Ohio-based psychologist with more than 35 years of experience. He conducts individual, family, and group therapy sessions in his German Village office and also via telehealth. Dr. Lowenstein is also available for expert forensic testimony, and for educational workshops and presentations. He is frequently called upon as an expert source for print, radio, and broadcast media. Contact Dr. Lowenstein at Lowenstein & Associates, 691 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43206, or call 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
