Revising New Year’s resolutions: Insights from Dr. Michele Kehrer
The start of the new year often brings hopes and aspirations, but many resolutions fail to last beyond January, reports BritPanorama. The phenomenon known as Quitter’s Day, observed on the second Friday of January, highlights this trend, with many people abandoning their commitments and a majority of resolutions failing by mid-March.
Dr. Michele Kehrer, a physical therapist and keynote speaker based in Florida, suggests that a shift in mindset could improve the success rate of these resolutions. In her new book, “Brave Shift: 30 Mindset Changes to Transform Your Life,” Kehrer emphasizes that small, manageable changes in how individuals think can significantly impact their ability to achieve both personal and professional goals.
Kehrer, a four-time cancer survivor, notes that goals should not focus on sweeping changes. “It’s about changing a few things that change everything,” she states, referencing the 30 guiding principles that supported her in overcoming various life challenges, including divorce and substantial career shifts.
In an interview, Kehrer elaborated on how minor adjustments can enable individuals to reach their aspirations. She pointed out that not attaching a meaningful reason to a goal can lead to failure. “When people make a big goal, they don’t attach a reason to why they want to accomplish it. Having that reason is big,” she explains. A personal connection to the goal can enhance motivation and accountability.
Kehrer encourages reframing the way one sets goals, advising individuals to approach their ambitions positively. “Instead of a laundry list of everything that’s wrong with them, think about how you’d like to improve,” she suggests. By imagining a “magic paintbrush” that helps depict an ideal future, individuals can foster a more constructive mindset.
She also stresses the importance of responsibility in personal growth. “Ask yourself what’s keeping you from your best life,” Kehrer says. This kind of self-reflection can illuminate the paths forward, leading to greater fulfillment and achievement.
Kehrer’s insights extend to the necessity of seeking assistance. “Being able to receive help is a skill that requires vulnerability,” she notes. Learning to accept help is crucial and can enhance one’s journey toward reaching their defined goals.
Despite the common setback of failed resolutions, Kehrer maintains that it’s never too late to make changes. “Every day is a new adventure. Every day is a new invitation to start,” she asserts, encouraging individuals to embrace the remaining months of the year as opportunities to recommit to their aspirations.
Her practical insights reflect a thoughtful approach to the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions and underscore the significance of mindset in the pursuit of personal and professional goals.
