With the New Year here, many people set new goals or ideals to work towards. But many of us don’t stick with it. In fact, according to Ohio State University College of Business, about 40% of people stop pursuing their New Year’s resolutions after the first month. This blog post will explore reasons why New Year’s resolutions fail, what can be done to see them through to completion, and what it takes to stick with a New Year’s resolution.
Change Takes Time
For many people, a simple date change in the calendar is not enough to create lasting change. Yes, small things can be changed like automating savings accounts or cleaning a room. But, to creating lasting changes in terms of diet, fitness, health, healing from trauma, or career endeavors takes time.
Been There Before
Most of us can agree that we’ve tried to change some things in our lives in the past and have thrown in the towel. Maybe it was changing sleep patterns, decreasing drinking, or tackling a marathon. But why is this? Why do we think that with a simple date change, we can switch from old habits to new ones instantaneously?
Catalysts Create Change
Have you ever wanted to change a habit or prioritize something important (health or mindfulness) but struggled with implementation? Many of us want to make changes for the better. However, this usually doesn’t happen until there is a catalyst to change. This could be the birth of a child, medical diagnosis, near death experience, or any other form of discomfort or stress.
Factors to Sustain Change
Even after a catalyst that leads to change, other variables are needed to maintain change. These variables include self-awareness, self-reflection, discipline, and commitment. We can use self-awareness to take honest appraisals of our lives and to creatively imagine what needs to be done to create or maintain new habits. Similarly, self-reflection helps us look backward to highlight areas of growth and strength. When we make new changes in our lives, we often have a level of excitement. As this excitement fades, discipline and commitment are needed to see change through to the end.
Online Individual Therapist for Men in Wisconsin
Starting individual therapy may be your New Year’s resolution. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, I focus on supporting men to heal from past traumatic and stressful experiences. Past traumas may include infidelity, first responder trauma, prolonged exposure to human suffering (nursing and doctors), childhood trauma, or auto accidents to name a few. Stressful events may include working through job loss, relocating, challenges in college, or difficulty connecting with emotions. If you or someone you know could benefit from working with a male therapist, call 720.295.6703 or submit an online form by clicking here to get started!
By: Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW
