When the big ball drops on Dec. 31, nearly half of all Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution. At the top of the list for many will be a commitment to lose a few extra pounds or quit smoking.
While people do make life changes throughout the year, the symbolic act of turning over a new page of the calendar seems to ignite the passion for change in us all.
“We love starting from scratch,” said Mardie Howe Rossi, a Victor-based licensed mental health counselor. “We started over every fall when we went back to school, and the New Year is another programmed time to do it. It’s been a tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.”
Small changes
“Decide what you want your outcome to be,” urges Rossi, “then make small behavioral changes that will lead you to that goal.”
While many will resolve to find a better job or make more money, psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader said those are not resolutions that are achievable. He recommends choosing behavior-related goals that we can control. For employment-related resolutions, that means using automated online job searches or applying to a certain number of jobs each day.
Do it now
“There’s a cultural norm that this is the time of year for making changes,” said Fader.
Discuss your plans with family and friends at holiday gatherings and ride the “resolution wave.” It’s a great way to get, and stay, motivated, he said.
Realistic goals
“People set huge goals when they’re feeling really motivated,” said Fader, who recommends cutting your goal in half before committing to it. “The best-case scenario is that you’ll surpass your goal and feel better about yourself.”
Charge battery
Evaluate the reasons you have for setting specific goals. “A motivator is really a battery for your goal,” Fader said. “The better the battery, the better your success rate.”
All year long
“Resolutions are not something that we make once a year,” reminds Gail Ferraioli, founder of Clarity Mediations in Fairport. “It helps to have a daily affirmation of our intent of how we want to be with other people as well as with ourselves. Daily practices might include mindfulness, meditation, prayer or making a mental or written list.”
— Molly Logan
Anderson contributed to this story
When the big ball drops on Dec. 31, nearly half of all Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution. At the top of the list for many will be a commitment to lose a few extra pounds or quit smoking.
While people do make life changes throughout the year, the symbolic act of turning over a new page of the calendar seems to ignite the passion for change in us all.
“We love starting from scratch,” said Mardie Howe Rossi, a Victor-based licensed mental health counselor. “We started over every fall when we went back to school, and the New Year is another programmed time to do it. It’s been a tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.”
Small changes
“Decide what you want your outcome to be,” urges Rossi, “then make small behavioral changes that will lead you to that goal.”
While many will resolve to find a better job or make more money, psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader said those are not resolutions that are achievable. He recommends choosing behavior-related goals that we can control. For employment-related resolutions, that means using automated online job searches or applying to a certain number of jobs each day.
Do it now
“There’s a cultural norm that this is the time of year for making changes,” said Fader.
Discuss your plans with family and friends at holiday gatherings and ride the “resolution wave.” It’s a great way to get, and stay, motivated, he said.
Realistic goals
“People set huge goals when they’re feeling really motivated,” said Fader, who recommends cutting your goal in half before committing to it. “The best-case scenario is that you’ll surpass your goal and feel better about yourself.”
Charge battery
Evaluate the reasons you have for setting specific goals. “A motivator is really a battery for your goal,” Fader said. “The better the battery, the better your success rate.”
All year long
“Resolutions are not something that we make once a year,” reminds Gail Ferraioli, founder of Clarity Mediations in Fairport. “It helps to have a daily affirmation of our intent of how we want to be with other people as well as with ourselves. Daily practices might include mindfulness, meditation, prayer or making a mental or written list.”
— Molly Logan
Anderson contributed to this story
