As each new year approaches many decide to attempt to start new positive behaviours in order to replace ones which are less functional. Many have goals which tend to be the exact opposite of their current behaviour. An example would be; an individual who has an extremely sedentary lifestyle and decides to frequent the gym 7 times per week. This shift in behaviour (which one can consider it to be a polar opposite of the previous behaviour) tends to progress early but declines much quicker when compared to behaviour change which is done in a more structured form. This is one of the many hurdles which individuals face, ultimately this leads individuals not to attain their goals.
Continuing with this line of thought, it’s interesting to notice that individuals seem to collude with this spirit of changing their lifestyles in the spur of the moment without any structured plan whatsoever. It’s almost like this rush of immediate gratification which they seek to strive, but unfortunately, this rushed way of doing things could ultimately lead to disappointment and regret.
What can one do to try and maintain goals:
- To begin with, focus on what you would like to change.
- Assess why you would like to change it.
- Assess whether you can appreciate the process of behaviour change.
- Formulate small reachable goals to achieve during a short period of time.
- Speak to friends or relatives about this desired behaviour change.
Karl Grech is a counsellor. He offers counselling to both individuals and couples within Willingness. He can be contacted on karl@willingness.com.mt.
You can visit his profile on: https://zme.tec.mybluehost.me/willingnessmt/team/karl-grech/