If you're still wrangling down your New Year's resolution, Dr. Michael Bordieri of the Murray State University Department of Psychology may have some ideas for you to consider as we end the first month of 2015. With the new year, Kate Lochte expands the bi-weekly Sounds Good conversations from the "Understanding Depression" series to include other topics of interest.
Dr. Michael Bordieri says New Years resolutions are fairly common, with one sample showing that about 40% made resolutions. In the context of psychology, it's connected since it shares the interest of helping people change, it's a time people give themselves a sense of reflection.
The most popular resolution is weight loss, at almost one-third of resolutions. Following that is more exercise, quitting smoking, changes in relationships, and getting a new job. In terms of who is most successful in keeping these resolutions? That's a mixed bag and a wide range of statistics, Dr. Bordieri says. When you ask the non-weight loss group, about 75% say they're successful, but when adding in weight loss the number is much lower.
One of the most common mistakes is thinking too big. It's great to have big dreams and goals, but it runs the risk of being set up for failure. Dr. Bordieri encourages people to think smaller. He suggests setting small, specific and attainable goals to start. People who set more specific goals are more likely to keep them.
Do you share the resolution with others? When you share it with friends and loved ones, you are much more likely to keep them. By partnering with someone or with a group, there becomes a culture that supports the change, can be a motivating factor, and that can be rewarding along the way as a celebration of mutual success.
Dr. Bordieri says personally, he's made a resolution to live healthier. He's made a goal to be more active at least three times a week - keeping it open-ended and flexible. So if you see him around campus, ask him how he's doing.
It's a new year, time for a new start. In some of the upcoming conversations, we'll follow up on the major changes people are resolving and some tips to help.
Assistant professor of psychology at Murray State Dr. Michael Bordieri joins us on a bi-weekly basis to talk about topics of interest in his field. These chats are informational only and should not be construed as any form of psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis or treatment. Any health condition, including depression, should be evaluated and treated by a qualified professional in the context of an established professional in the context of an established professional relationship.
The next discussion airs on February 10.
