MAKING POSITIVE CHANGES

February 3, 2022
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Overcoming Struggles

It has been shown that only about 12% of people who make New Year’s resolutions felt that they were successful in achieving their goals. If this is the case, then what is the benefit of making resolutions? In an article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, findings revealed that people who made New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to change their behaviour than people who did not. Consequently, creating one is a step closer to one’s desired change.

Some of the most common resolutions people made at the beginning of the year were centred on losing weight, sticking to a healthier diet, exercising regularly, making better financial choices, quitting smoking, and spending more time with family. Mine were all the above except smoking because I do not smoke. However, while making these resolutions, it is important to ensure we do not bite off more than we can chew because of the excitement and inspiration in the air.

Setting new year resolutions is a great opportunity for personal growth especially if our motives are right. We must desire change not because we feel like it’s a good idea to look like every other person especially in this era of Instagram and Facebook. When motivated by wrong motives, achieving the desired change can be hard and unsustainable. Here are two questions to answer that would guide you.

How does this desired change fit in what you love, value and believe?

If you find yourself comparing yourself with your friends, peers and family, you are not working according to the most powerful way, which is your way, the way you are wired, the authentic you. When we look within into what we love, value and our deepest convictions, we can decide what is most important and how best to pursue the desired change.

What are the thoughts you have about the change you want to make?

Challenge your thoughts surrounding the change you want to make. Often limiting and disabling thoughts can sneak into our minds and before we know it, we limit ourselves from pursuing the desired change. For example if you believe the desired change you want to make will require “hard work”, even before you start, your admission could be indicating you are ‘allergic’ to hard work. Having these thoughts and admitting them is not going to work for the success you desire to achieve because you are feeling it is going to be hard already even before you start. However, refocusing our thoughts to “I can do this!” can realign our disposition towards achieving the desired change. For example, instead of saying “this is going to be hard work”, say “this is the next stage in my life and I’m excited to get on with it”. Therefore, be mindful of your thoughts and how you word your change and actions.

Hey! We can do this. You can still make a fresh start now! while the “fresh start effect” and “new beginning” atmosphere is still on.[1]

[1] https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719