Page 65 - LIN_January_2023_web_version-r

Keep
Keep
Your Resolutions
Your Resolutions

on Track
on Track

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Be reasonable. A common mistake in resolution setting is having
Naples Pathways Coalition
too many and setting expectations that are too high. Sure, learning
ccording to a recent study*, about 41% of ten new skills, stopping five bad habits, and losing 60 pounds
Americans make New Year’s Resolutions. seems amazing, but it is not achievable for those of us who lack
A After one week, approximately 75% are superpowers.
still successful. After one month, it drops to 64%, Have SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant,
and after 6 months, just under half are still on Time-sensitive
track. That is actually better than I had guessed. After you have identified your goals, determined their
However, people who have similar goals but importance/value to you, and prioritized them, it is time to write
do not set a resolution, only 4% are successful them down and keep them in a place that you see throughout the
after 6 months! Another number to keep in mind: it takes an day.
average of 66 days to develop a new habit. Keep at it and it will Share your resolutions with others. If there is no one to
become second nature. encourage you and help you stay accountable, it is too easy to forget
The study also revealed that many of us make the same or ignore your goals. They don’t need to have the same goals, but
resolutions year after year. These are the most common: if they are working toward a goal too, you can encourage and hold
• Exercise more each other accountable, and celebrate your successes together along
• Lose weight the way!
• Get organized Take advantage of technology. Set daily appointment reminders
• Learn a new skill or hobby on your phone’s calendar to exercise, study that new language, call
• Live life to the fullest your friend to check on progress, or whatever you are working on
• Save more money/spend less money to help you stay on track. Put milestones you want to meet on your
• Quit smoking calendar with a reminder a week in advance.
• Spend more time with family and friends Expect setbacks and keep moving forward. Celebrate the smaller
• Travel more victories as they come to keep motivating yourself.
• Read more If getting more exercise is one of your top goals in 2023, I
The statistics above make a good argument for setting a New encourage you to start walking or biking with friends or family
Year’s Resolution, but January 1 is not the only day to embark members. Being active with others is more enjoyable and keeps
on your journey to self-improvement. If you slip up or lose your you accountable. You can also train for a specific event to keep you
resolve altogether, you can still start again. You don’t need to wait motivated, and we have a really fun event coming up to put on your
until next January! To make progress on your goals in 2023, check calendar!
out these tips: Naples Pathways Coalition is hosting the 17th Annual TD Bank
Write anything you want to accomplish for self-improvement Naples Bike Brunch at Cambier Park. After a light breakfast, you
purposes on a post-it and stick them to a wall. Use a whole pad if can take an 80, 62, 40, 20, 10, or 5 mile bike ride or a 2 mile walk,
you need to. Group similar topics together, then rank each group then come back to the park for a great after party with food, beer,
by how strongly you feel about accomplishing them. Unless it music, raffles, and more.
ranks in the top two or three, save it for another time. For more information or to register, visit
Determine what is motivating you. If your goals feel dictated https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/NaplesBikeBrunch.
or coerced by a manager, spouse, or family/peer pressure, you are Good luck with your resolutions. And remember,
far more likely to fail. Set a goal that is important to YOU and has two steps forward and one step back is still one step
value or benefit to YOU, then own it and work for it. Let others forward. You can do this!
have their own goals for themselves.
* https://discoverhappyhabits.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

Life in Naples | January 2023 65