Mental health charity encourages people to set realistic New Year’s Resolutions to avoid disappointment

National mental health charity, Turn2Me, says it is encouraging people to “aim for progress, not perfection” in their New Year’s Resolutions.

The charity said that many people set unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions for themselves, which often leads to disappointment and a feeling of failure.

They also said that setting realistic goals is more achievable.

Turn2Me also stated that starting something new, instead of giving something up, can be a healthier goal.

“Everyone associates New Year’s with resolutions, such as losing lots of weight or exercising every day,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said.

“Instead of setting lots of unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions, which often lead to disappointment if they can’t be maintained, setting a smaller number of realistic goals can be more achievable.

“For example, if you rarely exercise and your New Year’s resolution is to go to the gym every day, this might not be realistic.

“Instead, commit to going twice or three times a week. Goals that aren’t realistic can lead to feelings of disappointment and failure.

“This feeling of failure can deter people from setting future goals.”

Fiona said starting something new, instead of giving something up, can work better for some people – “Consider joining a part-time course, signing up for an art, writing or hiking group, joining a book club or a drama society.

“New Year’s is a good time for new beginnings.

“It doesn’t have to mean detoxes, rigid diets or complete lifestyle changes.

“Don’t set yourself up for failure. Aim for progress, not perfection!”

There are 252 free or heavily discounted third level courses at certificate, degree and master’s level listed on https://springboardcourses.ie/ most of which are part-time or flexible.

Turn2Me is running free support groups on anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues for anyone struggling with their mental health in 2024.

Turn2Me also offers free one-to-one counselling sessions and a free ‘Thought Catcher’ mood diary.

To sign up for any of these free mental health services, go to Turn2Me.ie