The start of a new year signals the opportunity for a clean slate; a chance to reflect, reassess, and make changes to become the best version of ourselves. Making New Year’s resolutions can positively impact mental health especially for us living with mental health conditions, but how can we make the changes last? Willpower isn’t always to blame; the real problem might be the actual resolution you picked in the first place. When setting resolutions, it is important to reflect on the change you want to see and what you can realistically do to achieve that change. There is a greater chance that you can make small positive changes, if you focus on one or two potential lifestyle changes. To better motivate yourself, figure out why you want to pursue them. You want to make sure the desire comes from you and not society or others.
If you are setting multiple goals, prioritize each goal based on its importance to you. Once you have established an order, you’ll want to break each one down into smaller goals to make each task more manageable. Once you have established goals, you need a plan. Having a plan means breaking it down in chunks and identifying the specific action needed to bring your goal to fruition. Big goals can be overwhelming, but identifying and achieving small goals allows for short term gains and boosted motivation. You must treat these resolutions as a priority and block out the time in your schedule for them. By establishing a routine, you are more likely to achieve a goal. It is also important to hold yourself accountable and track your progress. Don’t be afraid to seek out support, if needed. Supporters can offer positive reinforcement and provide helpful feedback. Lastly, don’t beat yourself up! Slip-ups are bound to happen. Sometime life
happens and that’s ok. Acknowledge what happened and get back on track. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity and learning opportunities are critical to achieving your goals. Throughout the past year you have extended grace to your loved ones and strangers; why not extend some to yourself. Welcome to 2024, a new year, a better me.