Positive Goal Setting for the New Year: Welcome 2019

We are fast-approaching the end of the year, and the behavioral health staff at DIHFS wanted to share a few tips for those who are planning to set some resolutions to launch themselves into the new year.

Keep Your Goals Positive

Negativity is not a strong motivator, but doing things that make you feel good, accomplished and happy are easy to continue. Instead of “I won’t eat any sweets” ... try framing it as a positive opportunity instead of a restriction. Rather than “I won’t,” try starting your goals with “I will.” “I will find a new recipe that uses a vegetable I haven’t tried yet”. Positive goals feel good to work towards.

​Remember the Big Picture

Why are you setting your goals? Who else may benefit? Many times a goal can feel tedious, but if we remember its' positive effect on our overall health, family, etc., the goal feels more important and therefore easier to continue!
 
Celebrate!
 
When making progress towards a goal, celebrate it! Don’t wait until you’ve met the goal, celebrate along the way. Sharing and celebrating your success and progress will only give you more motivation to continue working hard.
 
We would love to hear what you have planned for 2019, and are looking forward to helping you celebrate your milestones (we like to hear how you’re doing!).

Mari Foster, LSW | Integrated Care Clinician