By, Bunny Young, MA, QMHP

Each and every year gyms, nutritionists, self-help authors, and thousands of other self-improvement industries make billions on individuals setting New Year’s resolutions. You know the drill: you’re hyped in January then just two weeks later, your best intentions fall away.  Resolutions and change are hard, especially if you are the only one holding yourself accountable.

What Are the Top Resolutions?

According to neilson.com the top three New Year’s Resolutions are: lose weight, stay fit and healthy, and enjoy life to the fullest. At Life Cycles Counseling, we look at these resolutions as great goals to achieving your true vision for yourself. We hope that individuals will not want to change who they are but rather live their best versions of themselves. If that includes health, losing weight, or saving money, then we are happy to support you. But the mindset that you should change is not an affective goal.

 Turn Your “Shoulds” into Questions

Asking questions and answering them is more effective in creating deep, thoughtful change. Try this method-instead of making resolutions to lose weight: ask yourself “How might losing weight change my life?” Or “What roadblocks do I have that would prevent me from going all in?”

Why it Works

Asking questions and then answering them is more beneficial than making statements or promises to yourself, research finds.  A question is a puzzle. It prompts the brain to find a solution or to solve it.

Questions engage your curiosity and quiet the “shoulds” or “oughts” in your mind. You no longer are looking for the “right” way you “should” go about achieving your goals. Instead, you are breaking down the problem with steps that are actionable and achievable.

We can help you focus on the questions to your resolutions, and will support a resolution that lasts well into the New Year why getting you wholly invested in the outcome rather than a quick dedication that can quickly fizzle out. If you have a New Years resolution this year, we would love for you to share it on our Facebook page. We check our social media daily and use your comments and your interactions to guide our support and posts. If you post your New Years resolution on our page we will post a supportive quote, article, blog, or photo to show our encouragement of your vision to be the best version of you possible. What questions do you want to ask yourself this year? Happy New Years!