January 20, 2023 New Year, New Mindset
As another year begins, many of us will take this opportunity to set new goals, make changes in our lives, or make resolutions. Whether it’s to get fit, quit smoking, eat better, find a more stimulating job, the new year is a time to reassess and take stock. Yet, according to recent studies, less than 20 percent of us will achieve the resolutions or goals we set for ourselves. So why is it so hard for us to change our habits? Why do new year’s resolutions have such a high failure rate? And how can we change our mindset moving forward?
The psychology behind new year’s resolutions
As WebMD so aptly explains, new year’s resolutions are “part aspiration and part tradition.” January 1 represents a cyclical marker of time, instilling a feeling of hope and anticipation for what is to come. There is a sense of renewal, a sort of new beginning, which in turn, makes us think about areas of our life we want to improve or change. Yet, most of us will abandon our resolutions by February. And only about 16 percent of people will follow through on what they set out to achieve. Some of the main reasons new year’s resolutions fail include:
- Setting unrealistic goals or too many goals
- Lack of planning
- Lack of accountability
- Lack of motivation or commitment
- No review or tracking
- Self-doubt
The pressure of resolutions and goal setting can cause stress and tension
The notion that we need to make a change or achieve something specific this year can also be quite stress- and anxiety-inducing. Resolutions are often about what we think we should do rather than what we want to do. Often, they are based on other people’s expectations or influenced by external sources such as magazines, social media, and pop culture. The focus becomes more about where we want to be rather than where we are. It sends us a message that want we have right now or who we are right now is not enough. And let’s face it, that’s never a healthy approach and can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on us. What happens when we don’t reach the goals we set? That’s when stress, disappointment, failure and even depression set in, putting a dent in our self-esteem and confidence.
So how do we change this mindset?
First, figure out why you want to make a change. Understanding the “why” behind your goal will help you stay committed and motivated. Second, realize that resolutions can be made at any time of the year. Change does not happen overnight and timing is everything. Embark on the journey when the time is right for you. And remember to enjoy the experience rather than obsess with the outcome. Third, set realistic goals. Following the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) approach is a proven method that will help you be successful. Last, be kind to yourself. Success will not happen overnight and you might take a detour or two before getting back on track.
And when the stress does kick in
This year will have its share of stress. Unfortunately, that’s unavoidable. But how you manage it is key. Stress can manifest itself in a wide range of symptoms, from acne to digestive issues to insomnia to headaches to muscle aches among others. When it comes to stress-related muscle aches and pains, Magic Bag has got you covered. Heat therapy is a great natural way to relieve muscles spasms and stiff joints and reduce inflammation and pain. In addition to providing all natural comfort and soothing muscle aches, a hot Magic Bag compress will also help alleviate stress and tension in the body.
If you want to make positive changes in your life this year, good for you! Just remember to set realistic goals and know that change is a process that takes time. So take the pressure off from new year’s resolutions and remember there are 364 other days to embark on your journey. And on days when the stress inevitably kicks in, reach for your Magic Bag to soothe body tension and enjoy natural soothing comfort.
