All Psyched Up: Resolutions

By Dr. Linda Hancock on January 25, 2025.

Usually, people plan resolutions to begin the New Year.

They have good intentions and high expectations, but by the time they get to the end of January they might find that things have changed and their goals are no longer motivating them.

By the second or third month of the year, we notice that the gyms that sold so many new memberships are not full. The scale doesn’t show a significant drop in weight and the savings account doesn’t have a bigger balance than before.

What is the problem?

1. Lack of clarity: A goal is a dream with a deadline.

Frequently, we set out vague expectations such as “I want to lose weight”. How much? By when? How? Be clear about what you want.

2. No plan: “If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride”.

This expression basically states that wishes doesn’t make things happen. You need to have a reasonable and achievable plan.

I do, for example, study French by doing 20 questions a day on a software platform.

The reason that I have been able to log 1,665 consecutive days of study is that I do this first thing in the morning before other things distract me.

3. Inaction: Even very small changes can, over time, lead to big results. You don’t have to save half of your income.

Even putting away a few dollars each payday will result in success at year end.

Make sure you do something every single day towards your goal.

4. Accountability: If you are answering only to yourself, you might not have the motivation to continue moving forward.

Many people who are determined to start a walking regime find that doing this with someone else helps them to be consistent.

It is harder to tell another person that you are too busy or too lazy than it is to think of an excuse not to go walking on your own.

5. Lack of organization: If you can’t find your gym clothes, bank password or healthy menu ingredients, you likely won’t move forward with your goals.

Perhaps your first goal should be to ensure that you have all the tools needed to succeed in the goal you have chosen.

6. Start date: January 1 isn’t the only date for setting or beginning your resolution.

We used to laugh at my mother who was always determined to start a new diet on Monday. (She did this several times a year).

Smokers are often good at quitting and then starting again. I have heard many people who are substance dependent tell me that they quit drinking only to learn that they had consumed alcohol the night before our appointment.

Starting is important but doesn’t guarantee follow through.

7. Tenacity: A resolution needs determination especially when there are distractions that can ruin progress.

There really isn’t any point in setting a goal that you don’t believe in or if you think you can’t accomplish it.You are just kidding yourself unless you are firm about disciplining yourself!

I deliberately wrote this article at the end of January with the hope that you will consider setting new resolutions, especially if you have found yourself suffering from any of the above barriers.

Remember, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

When it comes to resolutions, you can start them any day of the year! Why not today?

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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