After health, Americans’ top resolutions in 2021 are self-improvement, money and family.
“Lack of self-control is the most reported reason for individuals not reaching their goal. Here are some suggestions to increase the chance of success.
- Reduce the goal to something that is manageable. As an example, if your goal is to do 100 push-ups a day – but you haven’t don
e push-ups for years – perhaps start by doing five push-ups each day.
Implement a plan. Determine when progress toward the goal can be fit into your daily life. Exercise may be easier in the morning, or perhaps during a lunch break. Find a routine and stick with it. - Celebrate accomplishments. Take the time to recognize success or progress, and do something that makes you happy about what you’ve been doing.
Some of the most common or suggested resolutions are:
- Review legal documents, such as the Power of Attorney for health care; a Living Will; and financial documents.
- Get up-to-date on vaccinations, including a yearly flu shot.
- Make an inventory of current medications. Get rid of old medications, including expired over-the-counter medications.
- Try or learn something new. Technology is one option, and may allow older adults to spend more time with their children or grandchildren.
- Get rid of clutter around the house. Reduce your possessions so that you’re not passing that chore on to the next generation. Removing clutter also reduces the risk of falls around the house.
Making goals throughout the year is a smart idea because we need to remind ourselves that we can’t accomplish everything immediately. Keeping something in mind, or working toward something, can be really valuable for you and your mental health and well-being. It gives you purpose and motivation to keep doing things.
By: Brenda Langdon
