Whether the new year is approaching and you’re looking to set some New Year’s Resolutions, or you’re just in need of some measurable goals, there are various ways to ensure we stay on track and avoid any toxicities that may come our way. While resolutions and goals can be useful in helping you better yourself and your habits, it’s important to make sure they are realistic and don’t create unhealthy habits or mindsets for yourself.
Choose Attainable Goals
Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. You might start with a smaller, more achievable goal at first to help yourself truly gauge how realistic your goals are, and it could also help you track your progress down the line. Keep in mind other factors like your time, energy, work schedule, and any other obligations that might effect your goals. You can always add new goals as you achieve your original ones, building off of the progress you’ve already made.
Make Small Changes that Contribute Toward a Larger Goal
You don’t have to reach a giant milestone in a small amount of time. Sometimes building small habits over a long time can be more helpful in continuing to make positive changes in your life. For instance, if you’re not used to exercising daily, having a major goal of walking two miles every day, five days a week, might be really difficult to reach and maintain. You might try starting with a mile run two days a week, or a 30 minute brisk walk three days a week, and then gradually adjust and increase your goals as you meet them.
Avoiding Setting Number-Based Resolutions
In some instances, labeling your goals with numbers can put a negative spin on them, becoming less about the change and more about rushing to the final goal. For example, instead of setting a goal to make 10 new friends in the new year, you could make a resolution to attend a new book club, church or volunteer group that would provide an organic space to meet new people. Placing yourself in new environments to meet people can be a way to help you get out of your comfort zone and into new experiences.
Avoid Goals that Take Things Away from You
It can be harder to remain motivated to achieve our goals when we feel we are being deprived of something else. Think about what you can do instead of what you cannot do. Instead of saying you’d like to set a goal of goal “eating less junk food,” try reframing the goal to “add one additional fruit or vegetable to every meal.” Instead of something like “watch less TV,” try “spend thirty minutes per day on a new hobby,” or “sit on the back porch and read for 20 minutes a day.” Choosing to focus on all the good things you can add into your life rather than what you have to remove or take away from your life can be a positive way to reframe your goals and their connotations..
By setting attainable, healthy goals, you can slowly make positive changes over time based on your own lifestyle. Choosing to make a change can happen at any stage in your life, and at any point during the year; it doesn’t just have to be a New Year’s activity, and you don’t have to have it all figured out by the end of the next year. Our best advice is for gradual improvement and growth, not perfection. And remember, you can have with your goal setting, too!
About JFCS Pittsburgh Youth Services
Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh is committed to supporting youth and young adults achieve their goals and secure a strong future. For more information about education, workforce development, and mental health support services available, please call JFCS Youth Services at (412) 422-7200 or visit www.jfcspgh.org/youth-services.