By: Lisa B., Transformations Alumni Coordinator
As the clock strikes midnight, the allure of a fresh start beckons us into the realm of New Year resolutions. Yet, many fall victim to procrastination, goals left unaccomplished, and feelings of disappointment, but why is that?
There is nothing wrong with setting New Year’s resolutions. They can be helpful in many ways. The start of a new year brings a sense of a fresh start and new beginnings. Setting a specific date for a goal can make things more measurable and, in turn, more realistic and attainable. So, with that being said if you plan to start your new diet or leave a bad habit behind on New Year’s Eve, go for it, but also remember that you do not need to wait until January 1st to do so. Some goals are more urgent than others, and time is of the essence. For example, if you want to get sober, waiting a couple of weeks or a month for the new year to kick off can be extremely dangerous.
For those who are jumping on the “new year, new me” train, there are a few things you can do to ensure your goals are met and that you maintain them throughout the year. Anyone who has been to treatment before has probably heard of SMART goals. Embarking on a journey of self-improvement in the new year requires more than just good intentions. Making sure that our goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound can help ensure long-lasting results!
1. Specific (S): Define Clear Objectives.
The first step is to state what you want to achieve clearly. It is important to be specific about your goal, avoiding vague or broad language. Instead of “work out more,” it is helpful to specify more clearly. Instead, you could say, “run 3 miles three times a week.”
2. Measurable (M): Establish Measurable Criteria.
It is helpful to set tangible criteria to track your progress. This adds clarity and makes it easier to determine when you’ve achieved your New Year resolution goal! Instead of “Eat healthier,” you can set a measurable goal like “Consume five servings of vegetables daily.”
3. Achievable (A): Ensure Attainability.
Assess whether your goal is realistic and within your reach. Consider your resources, time, and capabilities. Instead of saying, “I will lose 20 pounds in a week,” you could aim for a more realistic goal, stating, “I will lose 1-2 pounds per week.”
4. Relevant (R): Align with Your Values.
It is helpful to ensure that your goal is meaningful and aligns with your core values (I am sure you have heard this one before if you’ve spent any time here at TTC). Doing so will make it likely that you’ll stay committed and on track. If fitness is your priority, a relevant goal could be “I will complete a 10k run in six months.”
5. Time-bound (T): Set a deadline.
Establish a timeframe for achieving your New Year’s resolution goal. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent procrastination. Instead of “Save Money,” it might be helpful to make a resolution that is more time-bound by stating, “I will save $500 by the end of March.”
Again, one of the most dangerous traps we fall into is “waiting for tomorrow.” If you have some changes that you need to make that would benefit you sooner than later, there is no better day than today. If you need help with those changes, the alumni team is here for you! Email us at [email protected]
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