No More Resolutions! Best Care EAP Offers a Fresh Approach

According to an article about the origins of New Year’s resolutions, “the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any object they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions.”

Today, many people still choose to make resolutions, but Inc.com reports that 91 percent of people who make resolutions fail to follow through with them.

From Resolutions to Reminders

If you made a New Year’s resolution, it’s not too late to take a different approach. Staff from Best Care EAP and Methodist Community Counseling decided to take a new direction as they set personal resolutions for the new year.

“We didn’t want to be contributors to the growing number of failed statistics,” said Dave Dechant, a Best Care EAP training consultant. “So instead of resolutions, we went with reminders, which suggests we simply need to remember to do something. It feels more achievable.”

Staff members decided to name one thing they would commit to reminding themselves to do every day in the new year.

“Following through with our reminders may help us stick to our personal plan to make a change,” Dechant said. “At least that’s what we’re hoping for.”

Examples of the Reminders Staff Set for Themselves:

• “I want to remind myself to take more ‘me’ time.” – Michelle Hruska, NE LAP coordinator
• “When feeling stressed, I will remind myself that this may not matter in five years.” – Dave Dechant, curriculum coordinator, Best Care EAP
• “I will remind myself to take personal time to recharge so I can be more grounded with my family.” – Danielle Garrison, program supervisor, Methodist Community Counseling Program
• “I will remind myself to take my vitamins every day.” – Brigette Morris, business development coordinator, Best Care EAP
• “I will remind myself to put down my phone when with my family and be present in the moment.” – Brian Turille, manager, Accounts and Educational Services, Best Care EAP

In the words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Do your best to follow through with New Year’s reminders, and it may help you improve your rate of finishing the year on target.

Want more informational tips and resources? Check out our free, on-demand webinars and a variety of articles in our Resource Hub.

Best Care EAP also provides training programs that will boost your employees’ productivity and morale. All of our services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your company. Request training here.

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