Make your New Year’s Resolutions Stick This Year

Are setting new year's resolutions part of your routine? For many, this is an excellent way to plan for the year ahead and begin a new chapter on a positive note. While we may have exciting goals like learning a new skill or hitting a new career target, some of us may find it difficult to stick to our goals due to competing commitments in life, leading them to fizzle out easily within the first few months.  

TIPS FOR KEEPING TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 
So, what are some tips or strategies to make your new year’s resolutions stick?    

Focus on 1 to 2 goals: Having too many resolutions can become burdensome over time, quickly reducing your long-term motivation. Instead, dedicate your focus to just one or two specific goals. Some positive goals include setting an earlier bedtime, reducing social media use, learning a new skill such as cooking, and being more intentional with self-care and time spent with loved ones.  

Break down goals into small and feasible steps: A general goal like 'I want to learn how to cook' can be broken down into smaller, more specific actions. This process involves: determining how you will learn, how much time you will commit, and how you will incorporate the activity into your weekly or daily routine. By doing this, you create a clear, actionable plan that you can consistently adhere to.  

Find an accountability partner: Share your goals with people who can keep you accountable by checking in on the progress you’ve made towards your goal and encourage you every now and then. Your motivation may increase if they share similar goals and can work towards the goal with you.   

Plan for obstacles: You are more likely than not to face obstacles and moments of fatigue or lack of motivation on your journey. It will help to anticipate the specific challenges that might come your way and plan for clear, actionable strategies you will use to push through these difficulties when they arise or easier alternatives that you can explore when your primary plan does not happen.   

Reward yourself: To encourage consistent effort towards your goals, plan for small rewards when you meet certain milestones along the way. These reinforcements can range from something simple, like giving yourself a pat on the back, to a more intentional indulgence, such as treating yourself to a cup of bubble tea. The key is to choose rewards that are personally meaningful and motivating, making the goal-keeping process more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.  

It is important to note that not everyone enters a new year feeling excited and refreshed. The transition into a new year can feel daunting, especially when dealing with the pressure of commitments, major changes, or new goals. If you are struggling with your mental health, it’s best to seek professional help to manage your thoughts and well-being. TOUCH Counselling & Psychological Services offers support for those who are distressed or having negative thoughts. You may call the TOUCHline at 1800 377 2252 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm) to speak with a counsellor.  

TOUCH Counselling and Psychological Services Group (TCPSG) runs personalised therapy and counselling programmes to empower individuals to be more resilient, cope with daily living, and rise above their circumstances. Through its Supportive Intervention Care Model which comprises Community Care, Private Care and CareTech, TCPS ensures that individuals and families from all backgrounds receive timely care curated to their specific needs. Its expert team of counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists specialise in areas such as, psychological assessment and diagnosis, trauma therapy, suicide prevention, youth mental wellness, and digital addiction intervention and affair/divorce recovery.