As the New Year begins many of us focus on resolutions to improve our lives, whether it’s getting healthier, staying organized or managing finances better. To truly achieve these goals, it’s essential to make them realistic and balanced, ensuring they fit into your lifestyle.
How to Set Healthy and Balanced Goals
Monarch’s Medical Director suggests setting goals that are achievable, balanced, and focused on personal growth. He explains that the foundation of a good New Year’s resolution lies in reflecting on the past year.
“I’m approaching the new year with the mindset that I’ve learned something valuable — both from the good and the bad. I’ll use these lessons to improve myself,” he shares.
A new year offers a fresh start, a chance to reflect on successes and identify areas for improvement. According to the Medical Director, challenges or failures from the previous year can provide valuable lessons that lead to better goals in the future. Maintaining a positive outlook is key to identifying what truly matters and setting meaningful objectives.
Understanding your personal needs and happiness is another critical part of setting successful goals. “Many people set resolutions to please others, but your goals should be for yourself,” the Medical Director advises.
For example, if you want to quit smoking, make sure it’s a personal goal — not just because someone else wants you to quit. Personal responsibility and motivation are crucial for success.
Once you’ve identified a meaningful goal, the next step is to create a realistic plan. He recommends using the “50-percent rule” to set smaller, manageable benchmarks. If your goal is to lose weight, aim to lose half of your target within a specific timeframe. For instance, if you want to lose 50 pounds, set a goal to lose 25 pounds within six months, then reassess and adjust as needed.
Breaking your goals into smaller, actionable steps makes them easier to achieve and keeps you motivated over time. Remember, life is about balance, and setting realistic goals will help you maintain that balance throughout the year.
If you or someone you know needs extra support, especially during the holidays, Monarch is here to help. Contact us today at (866) 272-7826 or view our services for more information on how we can assist you. Reach out to Monarch for the support you deserve.