Clinician's Corner

How to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

We are fast approaching the time of year when many of us are thinking about and making our New Year’s Resolutions for the next year.  However, a research study by Columbia University in 2020 states that almost 50% of people fail in keeping their resolutions within the first month and fewer than 10% accomplish their goals by the end of the year.  Here are some tips for keeping your resolutions.

  1. Make sure your goals are SMART.  For example:

Specific:  I will walk 7000 steps every day

Measurable:  I will track my steps using a fitness tracker

Achievable:  I will start with walking 2000 steps per day and increase 500 steps per week

Relevant:  This will support my physical and mental health

Timely: I will reach my goal within 3 months

  1. Seek support and accountability: Share your goals with trusted family or friends
  2. Be kind to yourself. If you miss a workout or “cheat” on your diet, don’t beat yourself up.  Get up and start again with your ultimate goal in mind.

 

Please reach out to LAP if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health or substance use problems. Give us a call at 312-726-6607 or email  gethelp@illinoislap.org.

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