Happy New Year! 2022 is here, and if you are like many of us, you might be scratching your head while pondering what sort of resolution to make for the months ahead. The good news is, a resolution is little more than a goal. What’s even better is that a single goal can be life changing! If you are thinking “What kind of resolution is best for me?”, don’t worry; you are not alone.
When creating a goal for yourself, it’s a good idea to take a step back to see the wider picture in your life. It’s important to consider your own desires and ask yourself: “What do I want to achieve this year?” A resolution does not always have to have a requirement for size or length, it can be as simple as reading a book by summer.
There are a few things to consider when thinking about a New Year’s resolution that is right for you. First, be honest with yourself. Perfection is not expected, and you would be surprised how much easier it is to make a sustainable and achievable goal if you simply state any truths about yourself that are related to your goal. If I want to cut back on sugar, I need to accept the fact that I consume too much sugar to begin with, and that it is a weakness of mine! With that information, I can come up with a plan to combat that sweet tooth with a healthier and just as delicious alternative.
Next, try to be realistic, but not too lax when it comes to setting a goal. It is important not to bite off more than you can chew. If I want to lose weight (which I do!), I need to look back and accept that I have not exercised in a long time, and then make a plan to exercise - perhaps 3 days a week for 30 minutes. Or if you want to make reading a larger part of your life, you might challenge yourself to read one chapter a week rather than one chapter a month! Progress becomes a reality when you push yourself to try. Remember: you made that goal because you want it! When drafting a goal, use language that encourages you to be accountable. For example, use statements like “I will” instead of “maybe.”
It can also be helpful to write down your goal in a planner, or use a calendar to track your progress. Make a plan to check in with yourself weekly. Ask yourself what worked well, and what needs more attention or focus moving forward. Don’t punish yourself if you didn’t meet your weekly goal! My favorite thing about goals is that tomorrow always offers a fantastic opportunity to start again.
Himmelfarb Library is happy to assist you with all of your research needs so you can make progress towards obtaining your medical related goals! Welcome back, and let’s start this new year with a good attitude and a step in the direction that will set us all up for success!
