Achieving Your Goals and Finding Balance in the New Year

How many people have set more New Year’s Resolutions this year? It’s likely that most of us have set one or more goals to achieve in the new year.

By setting more realistic goals and not limiting yourself to the once-a-year, all-out assault on those finances, that mound of debt,the pledge to spend more time in the gym, get more organized, become more punctual, or whatever resolve is made at the start of the year, you may find that the finish line isn’t so far away after all.

Dr. Robert McHale, M.D., M.S., Monarch’s medical director, suggests setting goals at the start of the new year that are healthy, well-rounded, and,most importantly, attainable.

“The springboard for balance is going into the new year with the idea that I’ve learned something from this past year and it has changed me. I’m going to use the good and bad as a learning opportunity,” shares McHale, who is pictured below.

Each New Year offers us a clean slate, and some time to reflect on the past — things that went well, and areas in which we’d like to improve. McHale says past failures

failures are ways to learn about ourselves, which can aid us in shaping new, effective resolutions. A positive mindset gives us insight into the goals we want to make, and helps set ourselves up for success.

Another important part of making an attainable resolution is a good understanding of personal needs. Think about what makes you happy, and what gives you a sense of achievement, McHale says.

“Oftentimes, New Year’s resolutions tend to be for others, but they should be personal goals instead,” McHale says. “You’re setting yourself up for failure if your resolution is to make someone else content or happy.”

If you make a resolution to stop smoking but you’re only doing it for a spouse, it’s unlikely you’ll be successful, McHale says. Rather, choose a resolution of which you can take ownership. Once you’ve identified that resolution, McHale says, next comes the step of implementing a plan to achieve your goals. He suggests the 50-percent rule. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, give yourself six months to lose 25 pounds, then evaluate your progress after that time period.

By breaking down a goal, McHale says, you make it more realistic, and more attainable, increasing the odds for your success.

Happy New Year and best wishes in accomplishing all of your goals.

This time of year can be challenging for many people as the holidays end. If you know someone who is in need of support, please call Monarch at (866) 272-7826.