Around this time of year, there’s often a lot of pressure to reinvent yourself—New Year, New You. Many people set out to conquer the version of themselves they’ve always wanted to be, but the goals can be so big that they feel unachievable, leaving them short of success.
January 10th is National Quitter’s Day—the day when most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions. So, what’s the secret to actually accomplishing your goals? The answer is setting smaller, manageable goals that create momentum rather than trying to reinvent your entire life in one go.
It’s not always about completely reinventing yourself, but rather creating small daily habits that leave you feeling healthier and happier. After all, a new you starts with your mental health. Failing to achieve your goals can negatively impact your self-worth and self-esteem, while accomplishing them can boost your mental health. As tempting as it may be to “go big or go home,” it’s important to set realistic goals that are achievable.
Setting Goals for Mental Health
Here are some ideas for setting goals for mental health that are both attainable and impactful for your daily happiness:
- Put your phone down while you eat. This helps you be more mindful and present during meals, improving your relationship with food and giving you a mental break from screens.
- Leave the house earlier so you don’t have to rush. Whether you’re headed to work, running an errand, or heading to a social event, a calmer start to your day will reduce stress and anxiety.
- Limit screen time throughout the day. No more mindless scrolling. Go into your phone’s settings and set time limits for apps that distract you from hobbies or your goals. Changing this small habit can help you stay focused and present.
- Get fresh air daily. Take advantage of your terrace, balcony, or nearby park. A coffee break in the sun or a quick walk outside can reset both your body and mind.
- Pick up a new hobby. Whether it’s painting, learning a language, or trying a new sport, pick something that excites you. Get involved in the new community this hobby brings or ask a friend to tag along to keep you accountable and motivated.
- Talk to a friend weekly. Staying connected to friends and family is proven to improve happiness. Schedule a catch-up call with a friend on your commute or meet over brunch to maintain strong relationships.
How to Actually Accomplish Your Goals
A popular method for outlining and achieving your goals is the S.M.A.R.T. Goals approach:
- Specific: Be as clear as possible about what you want to achieve. Outline the who, what, where, why, and how.
- Measurable: Track your progress so you can see how far you’ve come.
- Attainable: Set realistic goals and break them down into manageable steps.
- Relevant: Choose goals that fit your current lifestyle and are easy to implement into your existing routine.
- Time-bound: Set specific times each day to work towards your goals.
When you incorporate your goals into your day-to-day life, they become less overwhelming and more achievable. Checking off small steps creates momentum, turning your goals into habits. Setting goals can improve your mental health by giving you a sense of direction and purpose. So, grab a pen and paper and start writing down those resolutions—this time, set goals that focus on improving your mental health.
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