Rethinking Resolutions

It is that time of year again. The time of year when we are all committed to being the best version of ourselves. Or at least a better version. At least for the year. Or a month. Or maybe even less.

That is right, like so many others we are talking about resolutions in the wake of the new year. Many of us head into the new year full of optimism about our New Year’s Resolutions. Many fall short. Those of us at The LegalMind Society have been there. And we know that when you live with a mental health condition, those resolutions can turn into recipes for shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Yet that doesn’t have to be the case. Think about a time when a friend told you they hadn’t kept up with their New Year’s Resolution. Chances are you reacted with compassion and acceptance. That same compassion and acceptance that you use for friends can also be applied to yourself.

Another way to think about resolutions is to think about the big picture. Say for example you resolution is to hit the gym three times a week. Next, imagine being the busy professional that you are that that just isn’t realistic. Yet rather than throw in the cards, you can look at the overall goal of your resolution, which is presumably to be in better shape, and still work towards that by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Or going for a walk on your lunch break. Or really whatever works for you.

Because after all, resolutions are about you. So shouldn’t you have a say in not just setting resolutions but in adjusting them to meet your big picture goals?

And if after looking at your big picture you are still struggling with resolution anxiety, reach out to friends. Or you can always schedule time for a peer session with your friendly neighborhood LegalMind Society peer-support team. Because we resolve that we’ll be here for you too.