The new year is approaching, and we are planning different things in the new year. Yes, many will probably make some New Year's resolutions, but will they stick to them?
Why do we need New Year's resolutions?
And what, after all, does the New Year represent for us in a psychological sense?
"The end of the year is usually the time when people think about what they have managed to achieve based on the analysis of their own life in the past year," says Bojana Miletić, Master of Psychology, for "Vijesti".
She notes that people decide to introduce changes that could make their lives better, as well as to implement what they have been trying for a long time, but have not been able to achieve.
"Such decisions sometimes refer to changes in certain behavior, getting rid of harmful habits, such as alcohol consumption or smoking," says Miletić.
There is no best time
He notes that sometimes decisions are made that can significantly change life, such as changing jobs, getting married or getting divorced.
"The problem arises when we set ourselves unrealistic goals that we are unable to reach"
"In general, there is no best time to make decisions, they can be made at any time, at any time of the year, but as the New Year symbolically represents a new beginning, decisions to discard old, unproductive ways of behaving and thinking, and directing towards new goals , they are usually brought right then," says Bojana.
Regarding why it is good to make New Year's resolutions, Miletić says that it is always good to make adequate resolutions and that, per se, there is no best time for that.
He believes that planning actions that can make us successful develops motivation, mobilizes energy and enables us to undertake everything in our power to achieve it.
"The problem arises when we set ourselves unrealistic goals that we are unable to reach," Miletić points out.
He states that this often leads to dissatisfaction, a drop in self-esteem and the appearance of fear of further failures.
The difference between a wish and a decision
When asked why people break New Year's resolutions, Miletić says that "people often do not distinguish between a wish and a resolution".
"So, make sure that your decisions relate to specific and measurable goals that can realistically be achieved"
He notes that those who believe that most events in their lives mainly depend on external factors or fate, will not make the necessary efforts to reach the desired goal and form their expectations based on the belief that the coming year will somehow magically bring them the results they want to achieve.
"Setting unattainable goals without a realistic analysis of the situation and possibilities for achievement, whether it is a lack of personal competences or those possibilities are significantly conditioned by external circumstances, also influence us to break a large number of decisions," says Miletić.
She believes that it is important that decisions are made on the basis of precisely defined goals, a clear recognition of opportunities and the selection of adequate actions to achieve them.
He states that implementing decisions is certainly much more difficult than making them, which is why you should be careful in choosing goals.
"So, take care that your decisions relate to specific and measurable goals that can realistically be reached, set a time frame for implementing the activities leading to it and enjoy your success!" says Miletić.
Grief during the holidays
Regarding what New Year represents for people in a psychological sense, Miletić reminds that New Year's holidays are associated with family and other gatherings. However, he notes that in individuals who live alone, this can develop a depressed mood and, in this sense, what is a symbol of joy and togetherness for one, can be a source of negative feelings for others, especially those who have experienced the loss of a significant person, because then the emotions associated with that loss resurface.
"Numerous studies have shown that the period of the New Year and Christmas holidays is very stressful"
"Setting up accounts at the end of the year can also lead to the appearance of negative feelings," says Miletić.
He says that if a person is not satisfied with what he has achieved in the past period, it will definitely have an impact, both on his current state and on further planning and implementation of those plans.
Stressful period
"Numerous studies have shown that the period of New Year's and Christmas holidays is very stressful," notes Miletić.
She points out that people who are in a difficult financial situation are also under increased pressure
He states that a particular impact has been observed in depressed people whose symptoms intensify during the holidays.
"The feeling of isolation, the pressure to make the celebration "special", as well as the perception of other people as happy and satisfied, can also contribute to the appearance of symptoms of depression," says Miletić, noting that suicidal thoughts and intentions often occur.
She points out that people who are in a difficult financial situation are also under increased pressure, because many take on debt in order to be able to provide gifts for their children and everything else that is needed for the celebration.
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