New Year
We have finally made it through another year, and we are rapidly reaching the finish line to 2022. Around January 1 st it is common for people to make a commitment toward a specific change they want to make for themselves in the form of a “new year’s resolution.” These changes can be anything from going to the gym, pursuing a new career, quitting smoking or other substances, or even learning a new language. However, many people struggle with either initiating or maintaining the changes they hope to adopt. As life can be extremely challenging and people are essentially pattern machines, it is important to exercise self-compassion when trying to change an existing pattern or create a new one. Drawing from the insights and practices of mental health and addiction treatment there are a few things you can do to assist you in better facilitating those positive changes.
S (Specific) - Make certain the change you are wanting to make is as specific and as detailed as possible. The more descriptive and clear the goal, the easier it is to be certain when progress is being made, as well as giving you a vivid picture that you can use during a morning meditation or daily review to enhance motivation.
M (Measurable) - It’s important to know when your goal is getting accomplished. Often, people make nebulous or undefined goals whose progress can be difficult to track; the result of which can be demotivation, disinterest, frustration, and giving up on achieving the goal entirely.
A (Achievable) – Is the change or goal you are trying to reach attainable? It’s important to make certain that the goal we have set for ourselves is something that we can achieve even if it involves some difficulty and challenges along the way. Setting an unachievable goal has the potential to negatively impact one’s self-efficacy, self- image, and desire to make positive changes in the future.
R (Relevant/Realistic) - It’s important to make sure that your goal is realistic and that it really matters to you. Motivation is an important element when creating new changes, so it is imperative that the goal or change you are hoping to incorporate has high value to you.
T (Timely/Time Bound) – Make certain that your change or goal is time bound, otherwise your goal can end up resembling more of a dream. Make sure to set dates for expected milestones toward your goal attainment.