Happy New Year
Are you one of the millions who begin the new year with excitement and hope that this will be the year your resolution finally sticks? Resolutions have long been a symbol of new beginnings- this year I’m finally going to do this and avoid that. I honestly believe I’ve made resolutions that lasted through the year, though memory can be deceptive. I do absolutely believe I’ve made it past Quitter’s Day.
What is Quitter’s Day? It’s the date when resolutions typically fall by the wayside, the second Friday of January. By that day, a shocking 80 percent of people with resolutions have already lost steam. Even more disheartening, only 8 percent maintain their resolutions beyond the early weeks of January.
This perspective comes from BestLife, which suggests moving away from resolutions and instead incorporating SMART goals- specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This approach is considered more achievable. Resolutions often carry an all-or-nothing mindset. I remember many times missing a single day of a new resolution and feeling completely defeated. The article advises planning for setbacks and celebrating progress rather than perfection. That is good advice.
I also came across an older article from Psychology Today that really caught my attention. It emphasizes how word choice matters. The word resolution reflects rigidity and an all-or-nothing commitment; when we slip, it can feel like total failure, as I’ve admitted feeling in the past. Goals allow for measurable progress but can still foster a success-or-failure mindset. Intentions, on the other hand, emphasize presence and process. They serve as a compass, allowing flexibility and grace.
That is why I titled this blog Intentions 2026. Yes, I intend to lose weight- a perennial favorite. I also have a “pie-in-the-sky” weight loss goal that isn’t realistic, along with other unattainable dreams. What I do know is that I can keep moving forward, celebrating each small step along the way. There is reward in a series of small benchmarks made throughout the year. I will get back up and get back on the horse (even though I don’t have one). Progress, not perfection, is what I am striving for this year.
I also intend to get my blogs out in a more timely fashion. I had every intention of publishing this one during the first full week of January, but here we are, and I’m still moving forward. I welcome suggestions for future blog topics. Are there specific mental health issues or emotional aspects you would like explored?
The year is full of possibilities, and I pray the very best for everyone. I also want to remind you that the Parish Mental Health Ministry offers both support groups and one-time programs. Please take a moment to explore what’s available, hopefully you’ll find something that meets you right where you are.
By Linda Hopkins, Parish Mental Health Ministry Coordinator
