Resolutions are a good assessment for positive change

Jennifer Goble
Mental Health Matters

Deepak Chopra, on CNN, said, “We spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like.” Welcome to the week after Christmas. Our credit cards are bulging and our bank accounts are starving.

New Year’s resolutions come to the rescue and are commitments to improve our lives. We might want to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise, show more patience, clean the garage, start a hobby, etc.

No matter the resolution, Wikipedia claims only 12% actually achieve their goals. Life happens, and the enthusiasm we had on Dec. 31 gets lost in our daily routines.

Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Eighty-eight percent of the people fail and probably feel disappointed, frustrated, defeated, stupid, disgusted, or any other combination of negative feelings.

That sounds like self-punishment. Still, more than half of all Americans continue to start Jan. 1 with resolve for change. I vote YES for New Year’s resolutions. Why? They help us evaluate present situations, think about how to improve where we are or what we are doing, plan for change, and move in a positive direction.

It is the one time of year that we look back and ask the important questions concerning what we want/need to change. Even if we start and fail, we have not lost the acknowledgement that we want change.

If you are stressing about money and your house is over-flowing with Christmas gifts, what would be better than to set a budget? Have a family meeting and let everyone have ownership in recovering from the extravagance. Everyone reaped benefits; it is okay for everyone to cut back. Plan a garage sale or a trip to your favorite charity. Have everyone clean up their own space and give away excess.

If your resolution only lasts a few days, still, many lessons are learned and a priority has been established.

Make your plan for change and start with enthusiasm on Jan. 1. Odds are slim you will maintain the momentum, so do as much as you can as early as possible.

Pat yourself on the back for what changes you make and know you have a plan in place for when your motivation gets a new burst of energy. Happy New Year!

Until the next time: Live while you live!

(Jennifer Goble, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Check out her book, My Clients…My Teachers and her weekly blog at www.jennifergoble.com.)

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