Don’t Give Up On Your New Year’s Resolutions: How Therapy Can Help You Stay on Track
It’s mid-January, and for many of us, the fresh enthusiasm of New Year’s resolutions may already be fading. Maybe you started strong, only to find yourself slipping back into old habits. Or perhaps “Quitters Day,” the infamous day in January when many give up on their goals, is looming in your mind. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — but it’s important to know that faltering doesn’t mean failure. You don’t have to give up on your resolutions, and therapy can be a powerful tool to help you stay on track.
At Mile High Psychiatry, we understand that making meaningful changes isn’t always easy. Whether you’ve hit a rough patch or feel like giving up altogether, we’re here to help you refocus, reset, and rediscover your motivation. Here’s how therapy can play a vital role in helping you stick to your resolutions and achieve your goals.
Why Do People Struggle With New Year’s Resolutions?
Before we dive into how therapy can help, it’s important to understand why so many resolutions falter. Setting goals is one thing, but sticking to them often comes with challenges like:
- Unrealistic Expectations: Many resolutions fail because they’re overly ambitious or too vague. For example, aiming to “lose 50 pounds in two months” or “never eat sugar again” might feel inspiring at first, but such lofty goals are often unsustainable.
- Lack of a Plan: Resolutions need more than just good intentions — they require actionable steps and a clear roadmap for how to achieve them.
- Perfectionism: A single misstep can leave you feeling like you’ve failed, even though setbacks are a natural part of the process.
- Emotional Roadblocks: Underlying issues like anxiety, stress, or self-doubt can make it harder to stay committed to your goals.
- Burnout or Overcommitment: Trying to overhaul your entire life at once can lead to overwhelm and exhaustion, making it harder to stay motivated.
How Therapy Can Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions
Whether your resolution is to improve your mental health, focus on fitness, strengthen relationships, or build better habits, therapy offers a supportive space to help you navigate challenges and create lasting change.
1. Set Realistic and Meaningful Goals
One of the most common reasons resolutions fail is that they’re too broad or unrealistic. Therapy can help you break your goals down into smaller, actionable steps that feel achievable. A therapist can also help you explore the “why” behind your resolution, ensuring that your goals are meaningful and aligned with your values.
Example: Instead of a vague goal like “get healthier,” a therapist might help you identify specific steps such as walking for 20 minutes a day, meal prepping twice a week, or scheduling a yearly check-up with your doctor.
2. Build Resilience and Overcome Setbacks
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and setbacks are a natural part of any journey. In therapy, you’ll learn how to navigate challenges without falling into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking. A therapist can help you reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up.
Example: If you miss a week of workouts, therapy can help you shift your mindset from “I failed” to “I had a tough week, but I can start fresh tomorrow.”
3. Identify and Address Emotional Barriers
Sometimes, the things that hold us back aren’t just about willpower — they’re deeper emotional or psychological barriers. Therapy provides a safe space to explore the underlying factors that might be affecting your ability to stick to your resolutions, such as fear of failure, low self-esteem, or past experiences.
Example: If you struggle with procrastination or self-sabotage, therapy can help you uncover the root causes and develop healthier coping strategies.
4. Stay Accountable
Having someone to hold you accountable can make a big difference when it comes to sticking to your goals. Your therapist can serve as a supportive partner, helping you track your progress and celebrate your achievements — big or small.
Example: If you’re working on reducing stress, your therapist might check in with you weekly about how your relaxation techniques are going and offer adjustments if needed.
5. Learn New Skills and Habits
Change takes practice, and therapy is a great place to learn the tools and skills you need to create lasting habits. From stress management techniques to time management strategies, a therapist can equip you with the practical skills needed to stick to your resolutions.
Example: If your resolution is to improve your mental health, therapy can teach you mindfulness exercises, coping strategies for anxiety, or techniques for better communication.
6. Prioritize Self-compassion
One of the biggest obstacles to sticking to resolutions is perfectionism. Therapy helps you practice self-compassion, reminding you that progress is more important than perfection. When you learn to treat yourself with kindness, you’ll be more likely to bounce back from setbacks and stay motivated.
Example: Instead of beating yourself up for skipping a workout, therapy can help you recognize your effort and refocus on what you can do moving forward.
Remember: It’s Not Too Late to Start Over
If you’ve faltered on your New Year’s resolutions, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to try again. Change doesn’t have to start on January 1st. Every day is an opportunity to take a small step toward your goals.
Ask yourself:
- What’s one small thing I can do today to move closer to my resolution?
- How can I set myself up for success this week?
- Who can I turn to for support if I feel stuck?
Progress is a journey, and there’s no shame in starting over or adjusting your approach along the way.
How Mile High Psychiatry Can Help
At Mile High Psychiatry, we believe that change is always possible — no matter where you’re starting from. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals is here to help you overcome the challenges standing in the way of your goals. Whether you’re working on improving your mental health, managing stress, or building healthier habits, we offer personalized support to help you stay on track and find success.
Refocus and Recommit to Your New Year’s Resolutions
Even if the excitement of January has worn off, it’s not too late to achieve your New Year’s resolutions. Therapy can give you the tools, support, and guidance you need to turn your goals into lasting changes. At Mile High Psychiatry, we’re here to help you rediscover your motivation, overcome obstacles, and create a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Contact us today to request an appointment and take the first step toward making your resolutions a reality. Together, we’ll help you build the life you deserve — one step at a time.
