New Year, New You?

2023 has come, and with it, there are the usual ideas of setting new resolutions and turning a new page as we stare down the next 12 months. You’re likely bombarded by ads for gym memberships, vitamin supplements, and new sneakers, which all add pressure to make big changes very quickly. Meanwhile, you’re returning to work after the holidays, getting back to your old routines, and potentially working through that post-holiday dip in mood, otherwise known as the winter blues. New Year’s resolutions seem wonderfully shiny at first; who doesn’t love the promise of a fresh start, a clean slate? Motivation can be really high, but it can also fizzle out quickly if it isn’t properly managed. For example, going to the gym in January. Good luck getting on that elliptical right away, its packed! Go the second week of February and you can run like a gazelle to your heart’s content since most people have burned out at the gym in the first 6 weeks. So, what does managing your goals mean?

Firstly, ask yourself a simple question: why do I want this?  Make sure it’s a goal that *you* want to achieve, not one that you feel society is telling you to. If there is no internal motivation, your will to achieve it will vanish pretty quickly. Write down your “why.” What is it you hope to achieve, and why do you want it? Picture yourself in 6 months. If you achieve your goal, what about your life is different? How are you feeling? By being able to see yourself there in the future, you can really grasp your why, which is your main motivation to stick with your goal.

Next, write down a plan. This cements your goal and gives you a good place to return to if you find yourself losing motivation. Make it as detailed as you can, and follow the outline of SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. Goals and resolutions that are too vague often fizzle out, so focusing on the details can increase your odds of achieving whatever it is you set out to do. Try to make your goal realistic, otherwise you’re only setting yourself up for failure.

If you find yourself losing motivation or in a bit of a funk, remember to be kind to yourself. Goal setting is nothing without a healthy dose of self-compassion. It is unrealistic to expect perfection when you’re on the path to realizing a new goal; there will be slips, and that’s okay as long as you can learn from them and not get down on yourself.

Setting new goals is never a bad idea. In fact, having something to work towards and focus on can lift the clouds of a depressive mood and give you a renewed sense of purpose. It is crucial, though, that you’re doing it for the right reasons and have a specific plan set out to ensure your goal remains in sight for the longer term.

Cheers to 2023, and the goals that you set for yourself! Of course, if you need a hand with any of these points, talking to a counsellor can help you make the right decisions and set yourself up for success.

Robert Baker, MA RCC
Walmsley EFAP