PROJECT RECOVERY

Why your New Year’s resolution might be doing more harm than good

Jan 11, 2021, 10:46 AM

New Year's resolution...

The new year can be the start of so many new opportunities for Utahns. It’s also the time for New Year’s resolution — for better and worse.

Dr. Matt Woolley, a licensed psychologist for the University of Utah, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that come with a New Year’s resolution on the Project Recovery podcast.

The truth behind the New Year’s resolution

Millions of Americans say they have made or thought about a New Year’s resolution or some alternative for the year.

When asked about what his New Year’s resolution was, Dr. Woolley was quick to point out where he stood on the topic.

“I don’t do them,” Dr. Woolley said. “Because they don’t work. They set you up to feel disappointed and then you do worse.”

At its core, the resolution should be an opportunity to promote growth and positivity. But for those who set unrealistic expectations around their resolutions, it can actually be unhelpful to their growth.

“If you look at statistics on general populations, it’s discouraging. It’s a great way to discourage yourself,” Dr. Woolley said.

Some estimates show that almost 80% of resolutions fail by the beginning of February.

Setting yourself up to fail

One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail so often is because we set ourselves up to fail according to Dr. Woolley.

“You set unrealistic expectations and then you feel discouraged about ten days later,” he said.

That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try and better ourselves or create positive change in our lives.

Dr. Woolley encourages a more long-term and behavioral approach to setting goals.

“By changing how you think about it, you can make a mistake and keep going. New Year’s resolutions set up this all-or-nothing policy that people have with their goals,” Dr. Woolley.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to New Year’s resolutions that are just as productive.

Helpful alternatives to the New Year’s resolution

Set up year-long goals for yourself: Creating year-long goals for yourself gives you the opportunity to fail and pick right back up. Compared to a New Year’s resolution, it’s a lot more forgiving. It also promotes behavioral change which is far more likely to stay with you in the long-term.

Make a plan: An easy way to stick with your goals is to create a plan that outlines exactly what and how you’ll achieve said goals. Whether it’s a daily, weekly, or monthly plan, you’ll be able to go back to it to track and analyze whether or not it’s working how it should be. If it’s not you can easily make adjustments that better align fit your lifestyle.

Create healthy habits: Whether it’s eating healthier, being more active, or becoming more focused on what you want, creating healthy habits is paramount to promoting growth and change. By making small adjustments in your life, you give yourself the opportunity to welcome and adhere to those changes. Which in turn, can have a massive impact over the course of the year.

Listen to the podcast to learn more about alternatives to the New Year’s resolution

For more information on opioid prevention or if you or someone you know is struggling, you can find more information on Facebook, KSL TV, or Know Your Script. To hear more from Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley, you can listen below or subscribe to the ‘Project Recovery’ podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get major podcasts.

KSL 5 TV Live

Project Recovery

recovery...

Josh Tilton

How a Utah recovery center is innovating treatment for substance abuse

A Utah recovery center owner is redefining how others find recovery after he struggled to live a substance-free lifestyle for years. Jordan Burningham, who was once addicted to heroin and struggling to stay sober, is in charge of one of the leading innovative recovery centers in Utah. He’s currently 6 years sober himself and through […]

2 years ago

Instagram...

Josh Tilton

How Instagram became an outlet for a mother struggling with addiction

After struggling for years with being able to stay sober, Gentry Jones turned to Instagram to try and help curb her addiction to alcohol and get her on the road to recovery. Gentry, now a mother of four kids, began to experiment with alcohol throughout her teenage years. Her substance abuse began to escalate as […]

2 years ago

Tainted...

Josh Tilton

Utah artist on how his addiction help fueled the creation of his new single “Tainted”

Growing up in a traditional Utah household, Tyler Gould was living the all-American dream. He was active in multiple sports and even a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. But after getting an itch to sell extra ADD medicine that he had laying around when he was fourteen years old, his life would never […]

2 years ago

Project Recovery host Casey Scott talks to Sarah Frei about their experiences with drunk driving cr...

Ashley Moser & Jared Turner, KSL TV

Sarah Frei Gives Emotional Interview About Losing Legs In Crash

Project Recovery podcast host Casey Scott sat down with Sarah Frei, the young woman who lost both of her legs in a crash caused by a drunk driver.

3 years ago

Coming to understand what Casey Scott’s addiction was truly like for his children only came recen...

Aley Davis & Debbie Worthen, KSL TV

Addiction Through A Daughter’s Eyes: How Teen’s Letter Impacted Casey Scott

Addiction is a family disease. It doesn't just affect the individual struggling, but everyone who loves them. Former KSL-TV feature reporter Casey Scott took that message to heart after reading a paper written by his 16-year-old daughter, Preslee.

3 years ago

promote safe prescription drug use...

Josh Tilton

Helpful ways to promote safe prescription drug use with Know Your Script

SALT LAKE CITY — Between 2017-2020, Intermountain Healthcare has been successful in reducing opioids by 9.5 million fewer pills and reducing benzodiazepine and opioid co-prescribing by 49%. All the while, finding ways to promote safe prescription drug use for Utahns within our state. According to Kim Compagni, AVP Pain Management Services at Intermountain Healthcare, we […]

3 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Why your New Year’s resolution might be doing more harm than good