With the new year comes new resolutions, brought forth by the pressure to make changes and start fresh in our lives. Setting these big goals can create a strong motivation, but oftentimes can add to the existing stress, burnout, and mental health concerns of everyday life. While these aspirations have the intention of leading us to accomplish big things, they can have the opposite effect when life doesn’t go as planned and the goals aren’t met. Instead of creating lofty resolutions that can become daunting, try framing your goals into smaller, simpler tasks called re-solutions.
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What Are Re-solutions?
Re-solutions focus on reshaping the idea of a traditional resolution into small, simpler tasks. It places an emphasis on being kind to yourself with your goals and values progress over perfection.
For example, instead of choosing to go to the gym every day or exercise for an hour every day, choose to take a 10-minute walk three times a week. This creates a reachable milestone, while also adding in flexibility compared to a concrete goal that provides maximum commitment and no room for error.
Making big changes can seem like a big win, but in reality, it’s also the many small steps along the way that make a difference.
Why the Small Steps Matter
Focusing on the small and more attainable tasks helps relieve the pressure the resolutions present and build confidence through small wins. Viewing the objectives through the lenses of accomplishment removes the all-or-nothing mentality.
Instead of highlighting what has yet to be done, the small steps help stack wins and successes. It makes change feel possible instead of scary and gives evidence of progress.
This helps promote emotional regulation while encouraging self-awareness and compassion.
There is not a direct blueprint for healing and growth, and it is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Examples of Mental Health Re-Solutions
“This year my re-solution is to…”
- “…give myself the same compassion I give others.”
- Ask yourself how you would react if someone else was in your shoes
- “…ask for help before I’m in crisis.”
- Reach out to a trusted person for a check-in
- “…schedule rest like it matters, because it does.”
- Block off 10-15 minutes for a short break to rest and recharge
- “…notice my emotions without judging them.”
- If you’re struggling mentally, acknowledge it and recognize that it is normal and human
- “…stay connected to people who support me.”
- Send a text or make a phone call to a friend or family member
- “…practice healthy boundaries, even when it feels uncomfortable.”
- It’s okay to say ‘no’ or not participate when you need space
How to Choose One Small Re-solution
- Starting small is the goal. If the task feels too easy, time or difficulty-wise, then that’s a good place to start.
- Pick something meaningful that can make a difference in your life over the trendy choices
- Flexibility is key. As you work towards your goals, you will learn more about what you need and how you can best accomplish your objectives
- Don’t expect perfection. Accomplishing your goals isn’t linear. Some days will be better than others and progress will be made in different ways and not always daily
Tips for Sticking to Your Small Re-solution
- Put reminders where you see them
- Leave a sticky note on a mirror, desk or fridge
- Set a reminder on your phone
- Share your goals and intentions with someone safe
- This could be a friend, family member, or mentor
- Acknowledge small wins
- Celebrate five minutes of scheduled rest or for reaching out to those who support you
- Talk kindly to yourself when a mistake occurs
- Remind yourself of what you have accomplished instead of focusing on the mishap
- Attach Goals with Existing Routines
- If your goal is to walk three times a week, plan to do it after you eat lunch, a task that is already part of your day
In Conclusion…
Something as simple as showing compassion, setting boundaries or staying connected to those who support you can go a long way.
Be kind to yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Build healthy boundaries. Stay connected. Rest without guilt.
Little steps count. And if you need support along the way, Monarch is here.
At Monarch, we know change doesn’t happen overnight. One small step toward caring for your mental and emotional health can make a big difference. If you or someone you love needs support, we’re here to help.