How to set realistic, healthy goals for 2024

It’s February and some of us may have failed keeping up with our New Year’s resolutions and already feel like we’ve failed only one month into 2022.

Studies show, however, that setting unrealistic resolutions can have a negative effect on our mental health and, let’s face it, most of us are probably guilty of unrealistic resolutions.

Pharma Dynamics provides five helpful tips to avoid setting unattainable goals and rather set yourself up for success:

1. Focus on strengths, not just “failures”: So many resolutions are focused on what you’re doing wrong or what you need to change about yourself, which can be damaging. Instead, focus on your strengths and how you can use these to create the life you want.
2. Celebrate the small wins: Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the progress you have made and how far you’ve come instead of feeling disappointed with yourself over what you have not yet achieved. Let your successes motivate you to keep moving forward.
3. Be happy to be yourself: Don’t compare yourself to others. Strive to be the best YOU! Embrace your quirkiness and your imperfections. They are unique to you.
4. Start with baby steps: Wanting to make significant behaviour changes adds a huge amount of extra stress and pressure to your life, which increases our cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Rather set small, attainable goals and take it one day at a time as opposed to looking too far into the future. Many small successes will lead to a positive mindset.
5. Failure is not the end: Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t succeed. Be flexible and re-evaluate your goals rather than giving up on them altogether.

If you are struggling to cope emotionally, feel overwhelmed or hopeless, contact Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026 which is manned by trained counsellors who are on call from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.