New Year's is a time when we become introspective. We review the course of the last year and take inventory of what was good and what was bad. What there could be more of in our lives. What we can do less with as well.
New Year's resolutions provide an opportunity for psychologists to study self-initiated behavior change and glean effective strategies for positive change at any time of the year. According to Dr. Norcross, Professor at Univeristy of Scranton, losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising more regularly are the three top New Year's resolutions. These resolutions account for nearly three-fourths of the goals adults undertake on January 1st.
Studies on resolutions have shown us that while nearly 60 percent of people will drop their resolutions by the six-month mark, those who make resolutions are still 10 times more likely to successfully change their behavior than those who do not.
I like these odds.
I'm making three resolutions:
1) To be more fit and healthy
2) Persevere when I feel lost
3) Be more charitable
Wishing you all a fabulous 2006!
References Norcross, J.C., Mrykalo, M.S., & Blagys, M.D. (2002). Auld lang syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year's resolvers and nonresolvers.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 397-405.
New Year's is a time when we become introspective. We review the course of the last year and take inventory of what was good and what was bad. What there could be more of in our lives. What we can do less with as well.
New Year's resolutions provide an opportunity for psychologists to study self-initiated behavior change and glean effective strategies for positive change at any time of the year. According to Dr. Norcross, Professor at Univeristy of Scranton, losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising more regularly are the three top New Year's resolutions. These resolutions account for nearly three-fourths of the goals adults undertake on January 1st.
Studies on resolutions have shown us that while nearly 60 percent of people will drop their resolutions by the six-month mark, those who make resolutions are still 10 times more likely to successfully change their behavior than those who do not.
I like these odds.
I'm making three resolutions:
1) To be more fit and healthy
2) Persevere when I feel lost
3) Be more charitable
Wishing you all a fabulous 2006!
References
Norcross, J.C., Mrykalo, M.S., & Blagys, M.D. (2002). Auld lang syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year's resolvers and nonresolvers. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 397-405.