Another holiday season has come to a close. The presents have been opened, the leftovers either eaten or thrown out. And as we settle in and reflect on the new memories we’ve made over the past couple of months, our expanded waist lines, maxed-out credits cards, and hazy recollections of arguments with relatives remind us of one last thing we’ve got to do — make a New Year’s resolution.
For many of us, this is as much of a tradition as cooking a turkey or decorating a Christmas tree. Roughly half of us make a promise to ourselves that “this will be the year that I” … quit smoking, spend less money, or the ever-popular, lose weight.
I wish I could tell you we’re all successful. Depending on which study you read, you’ve got a better chance of being diagnosed as lactose intolerant than you do making your resolution stick (about three times as likely).
The good intentions of nearly 80 percent of us will buckle under the temptations associated with our bad habits. Only a third of us will make it one month. And if your resolution is to get into shape, well, most people start using the treadmill as a towel hanger by the third week.
If you’re still resolute in your desire to make changes this year, there are some things you can do to increase your chances for success.
The most important thing is to be realistic. If your plan is to save an extra hundred dollars a month, go to the gym every day, quit caffeine, and stop eating fried foods all at the same time, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Decide on one or two habits to break this year. If you set too many difficult goals it’s likely you’re going to fall short.
Also: Be specific. What does “get in shape” mean? How do you measure “be a better husband or father”? Would you know “handle my finances better” when you saw it? Better goals would be “lose 15 pounds by March,” “take my daughter out once a week for a daddy-daughter date night” and “create a budget.”
Finally, think about enlisting the aid of a friend, family member or co-worker. Those who care about us are good at keeping us honest and motivated.
Don’t become a New Year’s resolution statistic this year. Be realistic, set clear goals and seek support.
Bret A. Moore, Psy.D., is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. Email him at kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance.
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