2020 thoughts on New Years Resolutions

We hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, and are now looking forward to the new year. With 2020 just days away, there will be talk of resolutions for the new year. Some, however, have given up on the idea of creating new years resolutions, with anxiety and disappointment around never having followed through with them in the past. Resolutions can bet stressful, if not created with some strategy.  Here are a few listed ideas to successfully begin resolutions for the new year.



1. One of the most popular recommendations for New Years Resolutions is to start small. Don't create a large goal with the expectation of completing it by February. Create a realistic goal for YOU, one that you can reach without stressing yourself out too much. Then if you are able to exceed your own expectations, you'll know your new limits, and have the confidence of reaching your original resolution to go even further. Also, don't try to tackle too many goals at once. Start with just a few, and if there are some leftovers, plan to try adding them in later when you have successfully mastered one of your originals. Again, having confidence in mastering a goal or two will give you more confidence about trying another.
2. Expect setbacks. It is simply part of life to have setbacks. It happens to everyone, and there is no way to expect when or how they will occur. So, BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Feelings of frustration or shame may occur. It is okay to validate these feelings, but don't get stuck on them. Instead, look at the resolution you are having trouble with, and brainstorm ways you can better achieve them. Maybe you need to start smaller and build up to your original goal. If it's important to you, don't give up.
3. Have a buddy. Sometimes, goals are easier when you have someone motivating you to continue to work at it. If your goal is not something you can work in with someone else, telling someone about your goals may also serve as a good motivator. A friend, family member, or therapist are all people you may feel comfortable sharing your resolutions with. They will be able to hold you accountable for any progress or continuation of your work, and you may feel motivated to tell them about it. If you have setbacks, a buddy may help in brainstorming ways for you to rework your goals.
4. Plan, and keep track. Start small and set milestones across the months of the new year. Keep track of your progress by documenting it using photographs, lists, journals, or calendars. Creating a Bullet Journal is a fun and creative way of keeping track of both plans and document your resolutions. Use Google or Pintrest to look for ideas.
5. Create resolutions that you can control. Try using action-focused resolutions. For example, a popular resolution is "losing weight". However, this is often a tricky, frustrating resolution that is hard to control, as you cannot physically move the numbers on the scale. Instead, try a resolution such as working out 4 times a week, or eating a healthy lunch for 5 days a week. Focus on those actions, without obsessing about the scale. The change will come with time and will come about in many ways. For a resolution such as "I want to be happier", try action goals such as doing an activity you enjoy for 30 minutes each day, or be consistent with my therapy appointments every week.


New Years Resolutions can be stressful but also motivating and inspiring. Make the most of this new year!
Happy 2020 from Mind Body Co-op!