Looking Forward to 2021

2020 has been a year like no other, making concepts like social distancing and remote learning part of everyday life for many people. Add in financial uncertainty, mask "fatigue" and calls to limit traveling and gatherings with loved ones -- it’s enough to make us all long for better days in 2021.

As we move into the new year, it's important to temper our expectations for significant change in the world around us. Although the vaccine for COVID-19 is being administered to prioritized recipients, it won't be available for most people for several months, delaying a widespread return to "normal." In the short term, it's important to have realistic expectations.

"We may be setting ourselves up for disappointment, frustration and anger if we believe that the new year will immediately signal great change. The situation will get better, but improvement will be gradual," said Edna Rodriguez, LP-PsyD, Clinical Psychologist for Trinity Health Of New England. "The best way remain positive and hopeful going into the new year may be to keep a mindful approach, focusing on the present and what you can do each day to stay healthy and safe."

Many individuals look forward to a fresh start in 2021 – a chance to improve their lives with resolutions that often take the form of pledges to lose weight, exercise more, and eat healthier. But are such resolutions a good idea? According to Rodriguez, they can be, so long as you "keep it real."

"It's easy to overlook the complexities and challenges of making a behavioral change. Any behavioral change not only requires a commitment that such a change is desired, you also need to develop a realistic plan to achieve your goal," said Rodriguez. "While your goal should be attainable, your plan to achieve it should be flexible so that you reserve some compassion for yourself when life gets in the way, and you can remain persistent."

According to Rodriguez, this three-pronged approach can help you reach your goals for 2021.

• Goals are ways that we organize and direct our behavior to attain a desired result. Be realistic, trace a plan and be kind to yourself. Find ways to keep yourself accountable for your goals, knowing that change happens gradually and sometimes steps back can be of great learning. Being flexible about your approach and the outcome can help you see gains of behavior change while allowing you to revisit your approach and plans to make them more effective.
• Choose a goal that’s important to YOU – a goal that is of importance for your growth and wellness. Start work on your commitment to the goal today. Trace a plan, look at resources, know how you are starting. Exercising your commitment to the plan will help you be more consistent with it.
• Look for social support. If you are looking to make a change around your diet or exercising habits, look for online communities that can help you. Try to share your goal with someone you care about and schedule calls or video chats about your accomplishments and/or challenges. Having social support is linked to positive outcomes in any behavioral change.

Resolutions about kindness, love and gratitude can be the groundwork for other behavioral changes that prompt increased feelings of contentment and happiness. Working on the way we see others, ourselves, and the world can have a great impact in our healthy behaviors.