Sunday 6 January 2019

New Year, New Goals


The last mince pie has disappeared and the turkey leftovers have finally run out. Christmas is over, the festivities are done, we're well into 2019, and staring down the barrel of another year.

So naturally, this is the time when we decide we're going to be different. We're going to shed those pounds, join the gym, write that book, ask for that pay-rise. In short, we're going to seize life and make new goals.

What is it with New Year Resolutions? Why New Year? Are we incapable of making a goal in, say, April? But I digress.

It will surprise no-one that the top three New Year Resolutions are almost always about physical improvements: exercise more, lose weight, and eat more healthily. In fact, you probably made the same pledges last year. 

But what's interesting is how many goals are about mental well-being. Last year, according to a YouGov poll, 24% of us focused on self-care (by getting more sleep, for example); 15% of us decided to learn a new skill; 15% wanted to make new friends, and 18% wanted to read more. This bodes well, as health experts urge us to take more notice of our inner happiness, and do more to address mental health issues.

But making a promise is very different to keeping it. A UK survey a couple of years back found around half of us don't think we'll stick to our promises. Psychologists say the key is setting yourself small, achievable goals. Don't say "I want to be thinner." Instead, say "I want to lose five kilos before my birthday." 

Baby steps. 

So, here are my three resolutions for 2019:

1. Stop being so impatient, especially with stupid people. (Also, stop calling them stupid)
2. Remember that just because it contains nuts, it's not healthy (i.e. lay off the peanut butter)
3. Start doing more fun things with your daughter, because it won't be long before she's off on her own life-journey (and stop angsting about the state of her room, you can clean it up when she's gone)

What are your resolutions? Whatever you hope to achieve, here's to a successful 2019.





2 comments:

  1. This is a brilliant blog and something I support all my clients with. Love No. 3 - I am doing the same. I also encourage clients to set a resolution about being and not necessarily doing.

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  2. 4- Need to write another blog in December to wrap it up!

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