Ask Joy: Why make a New Year's Resolution?

Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

‘It activates hope and expectations for what we hope to achieve moving forward.’ — Sabrina Romanoff PsyD. Clinical Psychologist and Professor at New York Yeshiva University.

Making resolutions gives us a sense of renewal, which is often called the ‘Fresh Start’ effect. The idea is that your mindset can change your life by taking control and inspiring yourself. Letting go of past issues and building a better future leads to a more positive attitude in life. Dwelling on the past and on mistakes only builds a negative mindset and future. This ‘fresh start’ will elevate your self-esteem as there is a belief that you can gain control and move forward with a positive and ‘improved life’.



By reflecting on what we want for a better future and considering the following, we can make better choices for ourselves:

Intention – What we intend for the future
Hope and Engagement (with our resolutions) – Working at a resolution takes time and commitment.
Responsibility – By taking control of our lives and not expecting others to ‘fix’ things.
Inspiration – By inspiring ourselves and others.


shutterstock_166876466 (1).jpg
Many of us have the same New Year’s Resolutions. Image Credit: Shutterstock.



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I have found that New Year is the worst time to make resolutions about anything.

Except, as @mummygoth said, not making any more new years resolutions.

In my experience, it's when you have just suffered the consequnces of your own unwise behaviour that you should resolve to change.

That way you tie the resolution and the consequences of not keeping it together in your memory.
 
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Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

‘It activates hope and expectations for what we hope to achieve moving forward.’ — Sabrina Romanoff PsyD. Clinical Psychologist and Professor at New York Yeshiva University.

Making resolutions gives us a sense of renewal, which is often called the ‘Fresh Start’ effect. The idea is that your mindset can change your life by taking control and inspiring yourself. Letting go of past issues and building a better future leads to a more positive attitude in life. Dwelling on the past and on mistakes only builds a negative mindset and future. This ‘fresh start’ will elevate your self-esteem as there is a belief that you can gain control and move forward with a positive and ‘improved life’.



By reflecting on what we want for a better future and considering the following, we can make better choices for ourselves:

Intention – What we intend for the future
Hope and Engagement (with our resolutions) – Working at a resolution takes time and commitment.
Responsibility – By taking control of our lives and not expecting others to ‘fix’ things.
Inspiration – By inspiring ourselves and others.


View attachment 38900
Many of us have the same New Year’s Resolutions. Image Credit: Shutterstock.



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Reactions: Ezzy and Joy Straw

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