As the calendar turns to January, many of us are eager to embrace the idea of a fresh start. The New Year often brings resolutions and promises to change our habits or achieve long-held aspirations. But let’s face it—how often do those resolutions stick? Studies show that most people abandon their New Year’s goals within weeks. This is where therapy can play a transformative role, helping you set realistic, sustainable goals and supporting your journey toward meaningful change.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
Many resolutions fail because they are:
Overly ambitious: Setting goals that are too big or vague, such as "get fit" or "save more money," without breaking them into actionable steps.
Externally motivated: Goals fueled by societal pressure or trends rather than personal values.
Unrealistic: Expecting rapid or drastic changes without acknowledging the effort and time required.
Therapy can help shift this pattern by focusing on what truly matters to you, creating a plan that aligns with your values, and identifying roadblocks.
How Therapy Can Help
Clarify Your Goals: Therapists help you explore the "why" behind your goals. For example, instead of saying, "I want to lose weight," therapy helps you uncover the deeper desire for improved health or confidence.
Create Achievable Steps: Therapists work with you to break down big goals into manageable, actionable steps. They encourage small victories that build momentum and motivation.
Address Emotional Barriers: Sometimes, emotional obstacles like fear of failure, self-doubt, or unresolved trauma prevent progress. Therapy provides a safe space to address these challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Establish Accountability: Having regular therapy sessions creates a system of accountability. Your therapist can help track progress, celebrate achievements, and recalibrate strategies when necessary.
Develop Resilience: Change can be hard, and setbacks are normal. Therapy equips you with tools to stay resilient and compassionate with yourself during the process.
Popular Therapy Approaches for Goal-Setting
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify negative thought patterns and replace them with constructive ones to foster motivation and action.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes practical solutions and identifying strengths to create actionable plans.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Encourages being present, reducing stress, and fostering self-awareness as you pursue your goals.
There are many modalities and methods of therapy. Each therapist will have a unique blend of style and modalities to fit your needs best. Feel free to explore and learn more about our wonderful team of Psychotherapists! LEARN ABOUT. THE TEAM HERE
Steps to Take Right Now
Reflect on what matters most to you and why.
Focus on one or two specific goals instead of an overwhelming list.
Consider seeking the support of a therapist to guide your journey.
Make This Year Different
The New Year doesn’t have to be about grand resolutions that fade by February. Instead, it can be an opportunity for meaningful, sustainable change—grounded in self-awareness, compassion, and guidance. Therapy offers the tools and support to help you create a year of growth and fulfillment.
Learn More
At Your Story Counselling, we’re here to support you in making meaningful changes. Our team of skilled therapists in Markham and Vaughan specializes in helping you uncover what’s important, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals. Let’s start your journey today!
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,
Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.
Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.
Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.
Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.
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The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
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