When a new year begins, new resolutions are sure to follow. You have already started on your 2022 resolution, setting BIG goals and hoping for even bigger results.

The problem is that when the hustle and bustle of the holidays wear off and you settle back into your daily routine, you may notice your goals were a bit...unrealistic.

Like you, many people across the country may be re-evaluating their resolutions or even on the verge of giving up on them completely. Failed resolutions can often take a significant toll on one's mental health and self-esteem, creating a cycle of unhealthy behaviors.

So how can you make your resolutions work for you instead of against you? We put together a list of five things you can do to make a realistic New Years' resolution.

5 Steps for Creating a Realistic New Years Resolution

  1. Write it down. The first step to creating realistic resolutions is taking the time to put your goal into writing. Commit to the idea by putting pen to paper (or finger to keys). Once documented, post your resolution somewhere you can see it every day, and hold yourself accountable to it.
  2. Share for support. Identify positive people in your life who build you up and help keep you accountable. Once you find these people, share your goal with them. Invite them to support you in your journey to achievement. It's always better to have support.
  3. Take it one step at a time. A goal is a journey with multiple steps. By breaking your goal down into steps, you not only make it more achievable, but you give yourself more opportunities to succeed.
  4. Celebrate your achievements. With each step you take and each goal you achieve, take a moment to celebrate how far you've come. Celebrating your work will help motivate you to move on to the next step.
  5. Hope for the best, and plan for the worst. Guess what, life happens. Sometimes life throws you an obstacle, making your resolution that much harder to achieve. That's ok. Don't be too hard on yourself and believe in your abilities. Prepare for life's obstacles and push yourself to focus on solutions.

Our Senior Life Solutions program is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. If you or someone you know is struggling with a recent heart-related diagnosis or a decline in emotional health, our program wants you to know we are here to help. Whether through our program, or another service, our team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support.

If you would like more information, education, or would like to discuss support, please call the Saint Luke’s Senior Life Solutions program nearest you.

Allen County Regional Hospital - 620-365-1280

Anderson County Hospital - 785-204-8043

Wright Memorial Hospital - 660-357-4730