Dog laying in front of water, not happy it has replaced his coffee

A Fresh Approach to New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 by UVM Health Network - CVMC

Try something new and different in thinking about your 2017 New Year’s resolution. Set a goal that is completely new and different from any previous New Year’s resolution. Anyone out there interested in joining in the fun?

Refresh Your Resolution Focus

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that among the most popular New Year’s Resolutions were weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and debt reduction/money management.

These address a few of the dimensions of wellbeing that we promote to employees at the University of Vermont Medical Center. As we reflect on many of our own past resolutions, we see a tendency to default to familiar themes, namely eating well and getting more exercise themes (physical wellbeing). We began to wonder about social, career, and community wellbeing goals. So, for 2017, we challenge you to create a meaningful resolution to engage in connection and service.

Make Your Resolution Stick

When thinking about a meaningful resolution, we recommend considering not just what it is that you want to do for yourself, but also think about what you can do for your job, your community, or your social circle of friends and family. Examples could include taking a professional development class, volunteering in your community, or planning a special family or friends event.

  • Your resolution should be self-authored. This is for you and about you. You are authentic as is your meaningful resolution. Allow yourself some time to connect with your thoughts and let your ideas surface. Carve out time to sit with yourself and let your mind wander. Notice the direction your mind is traveling and try to pick up some themes along the way. Need help? Generate a New Year’s resolution using the UVM Health Network’s Resolution Generator. 
  • Once you discover your resolution, map it out in a way that works well for you. Some people need to hold themselves accountable by weekly check-ins while others prefer monthly or quarterly, others create a vision board or goals journal. In each case, reviewing your progress and reflecting back on the reasons that you chose this resolution will help to keep you moving through and toward your positive outcome.
  • Consider including qualities of balance, joy, health, honest intention, and positive emotion and energy.
  • Whatever the resolution route that you decide is best for you, take small steps and celebrate your success with meaningful rewards.

Happy New Year!

Related Blog Posts