GREENVILLE – Each year, millions of Americans turn the calendar to the New Year and make resolutions. But without breaking these goals down into smaller milestones, it can be easy to lose momentum.
In fact, a 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions throughout the year. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated that they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed that gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year!
This year, the YMCA of Darke County encourages community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to long-term success.
“The YMCA is committed to helping individuals develop goals that will lead to optimal outcomes and then provides support along the wellness journey,” said YMCA of Darke County CEO Sam Casalano. “An obstacle many individuals face is a lack of support and resources. The YMCA provides wellness staff for members on a one-on-one basis, offering a comprehensive new member experience including an orientation process and complimentary coaching. Staff is also available for ongoing support and encouragement. Members become part of a second family as they are assisted in becoming connected to others with similar aspirations.”
“Losing weight is too broad a goal,” explained Cole De’Nise, Membership/Versailles Director. “Reframe your big resolution into something achievable.”
For example, instead of making a resolution to ‘lose weight,’ resolve to incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day.
Reframing your goals in a positive way can also help you stick to them. You may want to limit your screen time in 2016, but that can be more manageable if you replace the time with something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for family.
“Rather than thinking about what you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining. This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable,” said De’Nise.
Even though you may experience some missteps throughout the day—or even the week—that doesn’t mean you have to give up. Change is a process and bad days are part of that—bad habits didn’t appear overnight, so changing them will take time and patience.
