It is another year and a new list of New Year’s resolutions.
But despite the fact that most of us don’t stick to our goals we continue to make unrealistic resolutions year in, year out.
In fact, clinical psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere said the reason people fail is because they are unrealistic, try to do too many at once, or take giant steps instead of little ones.
“We often don’t think through our goals and make outlandish or unrealistic proclamations,” he said. “As soon as we fall short, we get discouraged and quit.”
“Before setting out on the goal, do research on the best way to achieve it”, adds Dr. Gardere. “Be realistic in goal setting. You are not super human.”
“The key is to have a goal that is concrete and incremental,” said Atlanta-based psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Vinson. “That way you can be successful and continue to build momentum toward your ultimate goal throughout the year.”
She adds that rather than a goal of “I want to lose weight”, a goal to cut out sugary drinks and take the stairs at work the first month of the year is much more likely to be successful.
Indeed, “losing weight” is one of the top New Year’s resolutions but after the high of the New Year fades and willpower wanes most never achieve their target weight.
“The New Year is an excellent time to get in shape; people are motivated at the top of the year-the problem is people do not stick with their resolution because most do not make a proper plan,” said Los Angeles-based health & fitness expert Diane Hex.
“They do not have the knowledge appropriate for true fitness,” said Hex. “It’s best to make a lifestyle adjustment, select amazing motivators, stay consistent, forget the outcome and just love yourself where you are and enjoy the process.”
“Another way to bolster a plan’s chance of success is accountability to another person,” said Dr. Vinson. “Sometimes our head is in it, but our heart is not. As social beings, we can find inspiration from others as well as motivation in the desire to avoid feeling as if we’ve let them down.”
Rev. Morris Tipton, of the National Baptist Convention, said from a Christian perspective moving from one year to another “represents a new opportunity that God has given for us to get it right.”
“It’s an opportunity for people to do better in every facet of their lives. The most important being our relationship with God.”
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