If you're thinking about making a new year's resolution this year, you might want to reconsider your goal. Research shows that a whopping 91% of people don't keep their resolutions. In fact, resolutions tend to be so disastrous that January 19 is informally known as National Quitter's Day.

There's nothing wrong with goal-setting or wanting better for your life, but maybe your future self deserves a different approach. Here are some new strategies for approaching the new year.

Abandon Your New Year's Resolution and Try These Better Alternatives

Stop setting yourself up for failure! It's okay to set goals, but the idea that you need to commit to this massive life change once January rolls around creates enormous pressure and expectations. These small things can make a big difference:

Commit to a January Challenge

A year is a long time. And the goal you want to achieve in January may be completely different from where your life is the following December.

So, instead of focusing on a whole year at a time, consider shifting to monthly goals instead. For example, if you want to save money, commit to saving a designated percentage of your paycheck. Reassess the next month and continue throughout the year.

Focusing on smaller goals often helps you stay on track. You're less likely to break your promise to yourself or feel overwhelmed by the dramatic change.

Reflect Deeply On Your Previous Year

Many people jump to make new year's resolutions because they seemingly offer a hard reset. But what exactly are you trying to reset? And why is making a change or diving into a new year so important?

Instead of focusing on a fresh start, think about where you are right now. Focus on all the things that you experienced, learned, and accomplished this year.

Consider using a journal for reference. Answer the following questions:

1. What were the five best moments of the year?

2. What were the five worst moments of the year?

3. What surprised me the most?

4. What's one thing I really learned about myself?

5. Using one word, what best describes this past year?

6. What am I most grateful for experiencing this past year?

Create a Vision Board

There's a reason vision boards are so popular: they are simple but powerful. They provide a visual aesthetic for setting goals and can help you feel focused on moving forward.

Consider using a bulletin board and gathering old magazines, stickers, scrapbook supplies, and other art materials. The idea is to capture what you hope to feel, experience, accomplish, and complete in the new year! This board can serve as powerful motivation if you feel lost or stuck at certain points.

Make a Bucket List

One alternative to new year's resolutions is kindly and gently writing down the goals you have for the new year. Think of it like a friendly bucket list where you're identifying what you hope to achieve or do.

Simply write these goals down and keep the list in an accessible place. Look at this list often and sit with the feelings that arise when you examine your goals. If it feels right to you, consider highlighting the ones that feel most important or time-sensitive.

Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Instead of harping on what you need to change, consider a more self-compassionate approach by getting in touch with yourself.

The first week of the year, write a letter to yourself to read at the same time next year. Don't overcomplicate it- just write down whatever you think the future you needs to read or hear.

Think About Tracking Habits

If you do want to focus on setting a goal, it's important to make it as measurable as possible. It's great that you want to exercise. Now how can you create a concrete milestone to acheive? Do you want to exercise two times a week? Four times? What exercise will you do?

Get intimate with your goals. Then, start looking into ways to optimize them- whether it's using a reward system, bullet journal, or habit tracker. What you track sticks, but you should prepare your methods in advance.

Have a Self-Care Party on January 1

Why not start the new year with comfort, pleasure, and love? Why not actually commit to having a happy new year from day one?

Some ideas:

• plan a spa day alone or with friends

• have a nice family dinner with loved ones

• go for a hike or do a physical activity that you love

• give yourself permission to just lie around and relax!

PS: This method is way kinder (and more enjoyable) than punishing yourself with conventional new year's resolutions like losing weight or cleaning the entire house!

Our Recommended Alternative to New Year's Resolutions: Seek Therapy!

Maybe this is the year you decide to prioritize your emotional wellness. Maybe it's time for you to start spending more time connecting with your feelings or creating more meaning in your life.

Therapy offers you a chance to reflect on daily life while also helping you set realistic goals that focus on your emotional well-being. And if you really do need to make a dramatic change? Therapy provides unconditional support during that process. You'll strengthen your insight, build better habits, and feel more inspired to achieve what matters most to you.

We are here for you in the new year! Contact us today to get started.