Strive for Progress Not Perfection in 2019!

Give more. Lose weight. Start exercising. These New Year’s resolutions sound familiar? Ones you make every year that you might not have kept? You’re not alone. As women we put a lot of pressures on ourselves this time of year. I’ve made those for the past few years with very little progress, so for 2019 I decided to do something different with the advice of local psychotherapist, and my friend, Gail Rogers.

I recently had a chance to interview Gail for a New Year’s resolutions story that recommended instead of biting off more than you can chew, how about resolving to take easy-to-achieve steps? Nearly half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions annually. Sadly, research conducted at the University of Scranton reveals that only eight percent succeed in reaching their New Year’s goals. The good news is, you can greatly improve your chances of success with a little mindfulness and attention to the specific New Year’s resolutions you make.

Experts say the biggest hurdles are related to setting unrealistic goals – trying to change too much, too fast. Joint research from Cornell University and University of Chicago also found that in making resolutions, including weight loss and job promotions, most people are motivated either by immediate or short-term rewards. So, Rogers says it’s important to celebrate each positive step along the path to meeting your goals.

I love Rogers’ advice when she says resolutions also are good for people seeking to be more intentional about their lifestyle choices. “Being more mindful of how I am living – I’m not just on automatic pilot,” she explains. “I am in the present moment, because that’s where everything is.” I admire Gail’s mindfulness and attitude about living life to the fullest- even in the fourth quarter.

The Leadership Team at Women AdvaNCe has been a great group for reminding me that progress is better than perfection. We look forward to sharing more tips on enjoying life to the fullest in 2019!

Antionette Kerr is a media correspondent, publisher and Leadership Team member.