Every year, every one of us takes on the task of coming up with New Year resolutions, which are made to achieve milestones. Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay
Steps to avoid getting overwhelmed
Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist at Global Hospitals in Parel says to avoid getting overwhelmed, individuals can establish achievable, specific goals, break them into manageable steps, and focus on cultivating one habit at a time instead of attempting a comprehensive lifestyle overhaul. At the same time, Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant, psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital says it is important to be realistic, focus on the process, not just the outcome, and be flexible as things may not always go according to plan.
Steps to choose your resolution
Bangar says choosing resolutions involves reflective introspection, identifying areas for personal growth, and framing goals using the SMART criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Including this, Ajinkya has a five-step guide, which includes reflecting on the past year, identifying your personal values and priorities; prioritising your goals, and considering incorporating small, manageable changes initially.
Setting realistic resolutions
Realistic resolutions, says Bangar, generally yield more success, fostering incremental progress and a sense of accomplishment, as opposed to purposefully difficult goals that may lead to frustration and abandonment. On the other hand, Ajinkya says while challenging oneself can be beneficial for personal growth, it is crucial to strike a balance between setting ambitious goals and ensuring they are realistically achievable. Realistic resolutions offer a practical and positive approach to personal development.
Prioritising your resolutions
Prioritising resolutions requires identifying the most significant goals, says Bangar, along with allocating resources and time accordingly, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. On the other hand, Ajinkya believes people should categorise resolutions into key areas such as health, career, relationships, personal development, and hobbies. Evaluate which resolutions have the most immediate impact on overall well-being or are time sensitive. Assign a priority ranking to each resolution based on its importance and impact on overall life satisfaction.
Short-term, mid-term and long-term resolutions
Last but not the least, Bangar says breaking resolutions into short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals enhances success by establishing milestones, facilitating progress tracking, and allowing for adjustments as needed. Ajinkya says short-term goals offer flexibility, allowing individuals to adapt their approach based on changing circumstances; they are instrumental in building new habits. Mid-term goals act as milestones that require more effort and planning than short-term goals. They serve as checkpoints in the journey toward the ultimate resolution. The structure of short, mid, and long-term goals enhances accountability. Long-term goals provide a sense of purpose and a vision for the future. They keep individuals focused on the overarching objective and help them stay committed.
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