In her Wall Street Journal article, “When ‘Drop It’ Is the Best New Year’s Resolution,” reporter Alex Janin highlights research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that shows about two-thirds of people who set New Year’s resolutions give up after a month. Janin explores why traditional resolutions often fail, pointing out how adding too many new or overstretched goals to an already overwhelming schedule tends to backfire. This perspective reminds us that growth isn’t always about doing more—it’s about focusing on what truly matters. In the spirit of this idea, we’ll explore how you can create meaningful resolutions that stick.
Find Your Why to Unlock Lasting Results
Strict, rigid, and oversimplified resolutions often fall flat. To make them work, you need to uncover the why behind them. Simply declaring, “I’m cutting out coffee this year!” isn’t enough. Let’s dig deeper: Does coffee leave you feeling jittery? Does it intensify anxiety symptoms? Or does it lead to a mid-afternoon crash just as you pick up the kids from school?
A therapist can help you reframe your resolutions to focus on their purpose through therapy for goal setting. For instance, instead of an outright coffee strike, you might reframe the goal as: “I’m going to gradually reduce my caffeine intake to feel more calm, starting with half-decaf and eventually transitioning to full decaf; I want to have sustained energy to play with my little ones after school.“ Finding your reason sets the stage for long-term success.
Build Resolutions on Self-Care, Not Self-Judgment
Your resolutions will do best coming from a place of self-love and not harsh self-judgements. For example, skip swearing off carbs like it’s some kind of punishment for gaining a few extra pounds. There’s a reason why these resolutions don’t work—they lack compassion and balance. If healthier eating habits are on your radar, frame your resolution to honor your body as it is (it’s done a lot for you!). Instead of a carb boycott, embark on a journey focusing on balance and nourishment. For example, instead of “No more carbs this year,” you might say, “I’m going to explore incorporating more veggies into my meals because they help me feel my best.“ Self-love, compassion, and confidence are the natural outcomes of counseling for personal growth and become the root of resolutions that uplift and endure.
One Small Step Into Therapy, One Giant Leap Toward a Healthier You
Our last tip for sticking to your New Year resolution is to embrace the power of small beginnings. Setting up one healthy habit sparks a chain reaction of better decisions. If you’re feeling stuck, let your first resolution be to start therapy. With a professional and caring therapist like Hannah Pasternak by your side, you’ll turn one small step into a journey of growth. Together, you’ll create resolutions that stick, all while building the foundation for a lifetime of resilience and meaningful change. To learn more about starting therapy and mental health support in CA, please contact our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com. You can also learn more over at our Get Started Page.
