As soon as the New Years Eve countdown ensues, we swear that the New Year will bring new changes. For most people, nursing a nasty hangover can have you thinking you would never drink again (we’ve all been there). We often make new years resolutions only to break them so why do we do it? The feeling of disappointment and sense of failure is hardly worth it.
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What was the top 10 New Years resolution for 2014? According to a survey by the University of Scranton, these topped most people’s to do list for 2014:
1. Lose Weight
2. Getting organized
3. Spend less, save more
4. Enjoy life to the fullest
5. Staying fit and healthy
6. Learn something exciting
7. Quit smoking
8. Help others in their dreams
9. Fall in love
10.Spend more time with family
Source: University of Scranton (Journal of Clinical Psychology)
Approximately 45% of people make New Years resolutions but are also quick to break them. The reason can be as simple as telling yourself not to do something make it seem even more enticing. For example, telling yourself you can’t have chocolate will send your mind thinking about how delicious it was and the way it made you feel. As the thoughts compound, you get more desperate to get what you long for and can’t have.
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The key to keeping resolutions are to set realistic goals. If you start low and move up gradually, you’re less likely to be fatigued from deprivation or overworking yourself. Also, stop telling yourself that you can’t have something. Instead, choosing to use phrases such as “I choose not to have something” can help alleviate that pesky compounding of infatuation with what I shouldn’t have.
Resolutions involving matters of the heart are usually more difficult. Separation of any kind is hard on the heart and can feel impossible. Rest assure that if you survived being single, you can again. After all, new possibilities can open only when you unlock the door that will let that in.
Amy Yew is a registered clinical counselor and relationship therapist. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
