Why Your Therapist Thinks New Year's Resolutions Are Bull#$%
Let’s take a closer look at the annual tradition of New Year's resolutions. While setting goals is fantastic, there are some pretty good reasons why your Kindred Roots therapist might advise you to give those resolutions a pass.
The Crushing Pressure to Succeed
First off, New Year's resolutions can come with this unspoken expectation of nailing them perfectly. We already have enough pressure from life, work, and social media. Adding the pressure of smashing our resolutions can lead to major anxiety and a gnawing fear of coming up short.
Perfectionism Overload
So, here's the deal: many of us tend to have this all-or-nothing mindset. If we can't stick to our resolutions like glue, we might feel like total failures. That black-and-white thinking can trigger perfectionism, which isn't great for our mental health. It can lead to feeling not good enough and self-criticism, making any existing mental health issues worse.
Unrealistic Goals, Anyone?
Setting overly ambitious or totally unrealistic resolutions is like setting yourself up for disappointment. When your goals are more pie-in-the-sky than down-to-earth, you're basically ordering a double shot of frustration, self-doubt, and failure. Not the mental health cocktail we're after!
The Timing May Be Off
Let's be real, the beginning of the year isn't always the best time to tackle life's big changes. Between recovering from the holiday season and the winter blues, we might not be in the right headspace to slay those resolutions just yet. Starting at the wrong time can leave us feeling unprepared and defeated.
It Can Stress You Out
Trying to juggle multiple resolutions at once can lead to one thing: stress overload. Attempting to overhaul all aspects of your life simultaneously is like balancing on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches – it's a recipe for burnout and some serious emotional exhaustion.
Self-Compassion Takes a Backseat
Resolutions are all about self-improvement, but they often push self-compassion to the back burner. Instead of being kind to ourselves when we slip up, we might find ourselves knee-deep in self-criticism. Remember, self-compassion is the way to go for better mental health.
It Might Not Be What You Really Need
Sometimes, we set resolutions that don't quite match our true values and needs. We feel pressured by societal expectations and end up chasing goals that leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. That's not a good vibe for our mental well-being.
At Kindred Roots, we applaud your desire for personal growth and self-improvement but perhaps New Year's resolutions aren’t the best approach. Instead of diving into the resolution craze, consider a more flexible and compassionate approach to self-improvement throughout the year. Remember that change is a process, setbacks are part of the game, and seeking professional help when needed is a smart move. So, let's ditch the resolution pressure and focus on a happier, healthier journey ahead!
If you’d like help coming up with realistic goals or intentions or you need support to develop smart and measured strategies to make those goals happen, consider booking a session with a Kindred Roots therapist. Our team offers virtual sessions for people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC and also has in-person sessions available in Okotoks, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia.
