A new year represents an opportunity for changed behavior.
Yet, mere weeks into the calendar, it is all-too-common to hear about resolutions falling flat.
ADry Januarydashed by a cocktail in the third week of the month.
Verywell Mind / Getty
Gym memberships lapsing after little use.
Vows towards financial health dashed just as quickly as they were uttered.
Under some circumstances, this is true.
Mygym membershiphas gone unused and Ive failed at veganism within the first week of trying.
But, this past year I proudly accomplished everything I set out to.
When I look back on the year, I am impressed with what I pulled off.
However, I realized a key component of my success: I didnt frame these endeavors as goals.
Where Did The Idea of New Year’s Resolutions Come From?
Turns out, thenew yearcan feel reminiscent of a major milestone.
Do New Years Goals Actually Work?
If theres evidence supporting the efficacy of New Years goals, why am I choosing differently?
Because things arent that simple.Goal-settingcan become cumbersome.
Finding something you want to change that you feel is in your power can leave many stumped.
Instead, it encouraged me to enjoy the ride and see what I can learn along the way.
Plus, when things didnt work out, I didnt suffer fromfeeling poorlyabout myself.
Instead, I embraced what others may perceive as a failure.
When thinking of my goals as intentions, I wasnt sensitive to the idea of things not working out.
Sure, even if there was disappointment, I didnt find myself internalizing it as something I did wrong.
Besides, perceived failure isnt a bad thing to begin with.
Research indicates failure can serve as fuel on the road to success.
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Bailey RR.Goal setting and action planning for health behavior change.
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