Sunday, February 16, 2025
As the New Year begins, millions of people set resolutions, but by mid-January, many have already fallen off track.
Luke Rinaldi of Lynbrook said he wants to try new experiences as much as possible, and develop his passion for music: playing more and looking towards making it a career.
He said he hasn’t fully achieved a New Years resolution before, and he wanted to set a goal for 2025 that seemed realistic and enjoyable.
According to J. Ryan Fuller, a licensed PhD clinical psychologist and executive director of New York Behavioral Health, Rinaldi has the right idea in mind.
Fuller said the key to sticking with resolutions isn’t just willpower—it's about setting achievable goals and practicing self-compassion.
"New Year's resolutions can be either beneficial or destructive," Fuller says. "The important thing is not to see yourself as the failure if you don’t immediately succeed. Keep working toward progress."
Fuller, who specializes in behavioral change, suggests that people should first focus on habits that are simple to implement, and there is no exact time— such as two weeks— when a habit will develop.
“If it’s a really simple habit, that’s a habit that could develop really quickly,” he said.
When selecting a resolution, Fuller stresses the importance of aligning it with long-term goals.
“You want to make sure you’re picking things that align with your long-term goals, and be realistic,” he advises.
For example, setting an unrealistic weight loss goal may lead to frustration, but starting with more attainable targets can help sustain motivation.
For those aiming to improve their health or manage weight, Fuller points out that success will come easier when the goals are in line with personal motivations and lifestyle.
Another critical factor for success is practicing self-compassion, a cornerstone of Fuller’s approach to behavioral change.
"Practicing self-compassion allows you to practice resilience," he said.
When setbacks occur, it's essential to be kind to oneself rather than feeling defeated. A compassionate mindset encourages continued effort, even after a misstep, he said.
“Engineering success by making it something achievable,” Fuller said.
For more information visit: NewYorkBehavioralHealth.com or JRyanFuller.com.
