4 Reasons Why Setting New Year's Resolutions and Goals can be a Healthy Practice

 

1.  Stress Relieving. The very act of getting your thoughts, dreams, visions and goals out of your head and onto paper can be therapeutic and stress relieving. You may feel a sense of relief come over you as you take the first step in achieving your goals by writing them down in an organized fashion and prioritizing them. Make sure the goals you set are SMART -> Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time-bound.

2. Confidence Boosting. Part of goal setting is reflection. Take time out to reflect on what you accomplished in 2014. It can be big or small, personal or professional. Knowing that you have been able to accomplish what may have looked like an insurmountable task in the past will give you the confidence to pursue your future goals. Furthermore, as you take the steps necessary to make your current dreams a reality, you will get closer and closer to bringing those dreams into fruition giving you another boost in confidence. Get into the confidence boosting cycle.

3. Productivity. Goal setting forces you to think about what you really want out of life. This is important because knowing what you want out of life puts you in a better position to go after what you want in life. It gives you a visual reminder of what you have to work towards. (Refer to our post on vision boards for more about visual goal setting).You know what you need to save for, study for, invest in, and pray about. Most people write goals down the same way the make a grocery list. There's no sense of urgency with list making. Maybe you'll go shopping this week, maybe you'll go next week. As you set goals, set actions. Write down actionable points for each day to help you accomplish the goal and give yourself a deadline. People who take action tend to be more productive and happier. Happiness and productivity are important to your mental health.

4. Healthy Resolutions! You can make resolutions regarding your health! Here are just a few points to get you started:

• Exercise 3 to 5 times a week
• Eat healthier
• Sleep better
• Meditate every morning
• Schedule in fun time 

Bonus: Click here for a goal setting worksheet from New Leaf Fitness.