New Year, New You?

Setting Realistic Goals and Finding Success

By Eliot LeBow LCSW, CDCES

The New Year often inspires us to make positive changes. We reflect on the past year, take stock of our accomplishments, and identify areas where we want to grow. It's a natural time to set resolutions, whether to lose weight, manage a condition like diabetes, or even take on an ambitious challenge like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. While setting resolutions is a significant first step, setting realistic expectations for achieving those goals is crucial to success.

 

For many, the New Year can be a turning point. It's a chance to share our aspirations with loved ones, hoping for their support. For individuals living with diabetes, it might even be the first time they acknowledge the need to take better care of themselves and commit to making a change. This honesty, both with ourselves and others, is a powerful catalyst.

 

Why Resolutions Often Falter: It's Not Just About Willpower

 

Many of us start the New Year with high hopes but struggle to maintain resolutions. This often isn't a reflection of willpower alone. Several factors can contribute to this shared experience:

 

• Dwindling Support: The initial enthusiasm and support from family and friends can fade as everyone returns to their routines. This can leave the individual feeling isolated and struggling to maintain motivation.
• Lack of a Clear Plan: Achieving vague goals without concrete steps is challenging. It's essential to define success and break down the journey into manageable objectives. For example, if you resolve to eat healthier, what specific changes will you make? What will your grocery list look like?
• Insufficient Preparation: Jumping into a major change without proper preparation can be overwhelming. Research is crucial if you're aiming to climb a mountain. Similarly, if you're changing your diet, educate yourself on nutrition and meal planning.
• Unrealistic Goals: Setting overly ambitious goals can be demotivating. Aiming to lose 3 pounds a week, for instance, is unhealthy and incredibly challenging. A more sustainable approach might be to aim for a 1-pound loss per week, leading to significant progress over a year.

 

Strategies for Success: Building a Support System and a Roadmap

To increase your chances of achieving your New Year's resolutions, consider these strategies:

 

• Seek Professional Guidance: Don't hesitate to reach out for support. A psychotherapist can provide emotional support and guidance, while a certified diabetes educator can help you manage your condition effectively. For fitness goals, a coach or trainer can be invaluable. If you're adjusting your diet, a nutritionist can offer personalized meal plans and help you set realistic objectives.
• Develop a Detailed Plan: Break down your overall goal into smaller, achievable milestones. Create a step-by-step action plan outlining how you will reach each milestone. This roadmap will provide structure and keep you on track.
• Be Accountable: Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, support group (like OA or Weight Watchers), or even a trusted friend can help you stay accountable to your plan.
• Embrace Flexibility and Self-Compassion: Setbacks are inevitable. When they happen, don't beat yourself up. Instead, learn from the experience, adjust your approach if necessary, and get back on track.

 

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. You might not achieve every objective you set, but if you make significant strides toward your overall goal, that's a success. Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. If your goal was to lose 50 pounds and you lose 30, that's still a fantastic accomplishment! The key is to have a substantial long-term goal but break it down into smaller, achievable objectives that lead you to your ultimate resolution.

 

You can make lasting changes and achieve your goals with the proper support, a solid plan, and a healthy dose of self-compassion. Here's to a prosperous and fulfilling New Year!

 

Feeling Overwhelmed by Diabetes? You're Not Alone. Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapy offers compassionate support and practical tools to help you navigate the emotional and physical challenges of living with diabetes. Get the help you deserve. Book a FREE consultation here or visit www.diabetictalks.com to discover how therapy can make a difference.

 

Medical Disclaimer:

All the advice included in this blog is therapeutic in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Before making any changes to your diabetes maintenance program, please consult with your primary physician or endocrinologist.

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