New Year ~ New You?

New Year’s resolutions can be for fun, minor improvements or they can be much needed changes in one’s life. In Santa Monica and Los Angeles some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are:

• Finding a soul mate
• Losing weight
• Improvement in one’s career and income
• Quitting smoking
• A healthier diet
• Better relationships
• Traveling
• Getting sober

As a clinical psychologist I often hear about goals for the New Year and with it come the questions of “how do I do it”. According to Norcross’ research, only 50% of people state they achieved their New Year’s resolution. It begs the question, what leads to success and what leads to ones failure in achieving goals.

Some factors that lead to success:

1. Be realistic with your goals and the time needed for change to occur
2. Divide the process into smaller steps and time intervals
3. Be compassionate with yourself and how difficult the process of change can be
4. Share your goals with family and friends
5. Ask for help in achieving your goals

http://www.drkatjapohl.com/new-years-resolutions/