Continuum EAP's Wellness corner features a different wellness topic each quarter. This webpage provides valuable information, resources and links related to the featured wellness topic.
Meet our wellness coach, Jennifer Wall, LMHP. Jennie is an important part of Continuum’s expanded wellness services. Click on Jennie’s picture to read about the kind of services she will provide as Continuum’s wellness coach and to read “Jennie’s Tip” related to this quarter’s wellness topic.
March 2009-Quarterly Wellness Topic: Goal Setting Keeping Those New Year’s Resolutions All Year Long
The New Year has officially launched, but what has happened with your New Year’s resolutions? For most people, New Year’s resolutions are easy to make but difficult to maintain. Why? For most people the intentions are good but the focus tends to be on the “What” rather than the “How”. So, even though we are several weeks into 2009-Don’t let those resolutions slip away. Take some time to evaluate where you are with your resolutions and use some goal setting steps that help you focus on the “how” and keep you moving forward in 2009. Consider the following guidelines to help you set effective goals:
Set Behavioral Goals rather than Outcome Goals- Focus on setting goals that you have as much control over as possible. There is nothing more frustrating than failing to achieve a goal even when you put in hard work. When you focus on personal performance you can measure your achievements more accurately. Say weight loss is a goal, then focus on changing behaviors such as increasing exercise or making healthier food choices rather just a number on the scale.
Be Realistic- The key to achieving goals is continuing to stay motivated. If you set the goal to high or make it unrealistic odds are that it will be abandoned quickly. No wonder so many New Year’s resolutions fall to the wayside within a few weeks as they are not attainable.
Create a Plan & Write it Down- Setting a goal without developing a plan is just wishful thinking. Deciding on a goal is one thing, but deciding how to do it an essential step. Take time to write down your specific goal and the behavioral steps that you will take on a regular basis to meet that goal.
Track Your Progress- Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep and small accomplishments keep you motivated.
Reward Yourself- Celebrate your success by acknowledging your accomplishments. When developing your plan, identify a few milestones where your can reward yourself once they are achieved.
Remain Flexible- Life isn’t always simple and it tends to throw unexpected thing as us. So expect that your plan can and will change. Long term commitments means focusing on what works in the present and being able to adapt to changes in the future.
Remember that most important goals are not accomplished in one day, but over a period of time. So remember, New Year’s resolutions are simply a starting point. If you haven’t kept your resolutions for 2009 and they are goals that you want to achieve, don’t wait until 2010; rather, start again now by using the above steps to successful goal setting.
Continuum offers a variety of services that can assist you in setting goals and making positive life changes, they are included in this list of resources.
Continuum EAP Core Services that can help you in setting and achieving your physical and emotional wellness goals:
Continuum HelpNet On-line Services-Resources* *Available to employees and families of companies who subscribe to this service.
To go directly to the HelpNet login page click here. You will be asked to enter your company’s user name and password. If you do not know this information please call 476-0186 or 800-755-7636 and we will provide it. The paths to all HelpNet resources begin with the list of links under The Resource Center on the left side of the HelpNet screen.
Articles
Ten Ways to Believe in Yourself
Can be found in the Balancing pull-down menu, under Personal Growth.
Online Seminars
Make a Plan
Financial Fitness: Living within a Realistic Budget
Stick with it! Keeping Your Wellness Goals
Can be found in the Balancing pull-down menu, under Personal Growth in the Setting Goals sub-heading.
Asessments
Goal Setting Assessments
Can be found in the Balancing pull-down menu, under Personal Growth in the Setting Goals sub-heading.
Audio
Setting Realistic Goals
Can be found in the Balancing pull-down menu, under Personal Growth in the Setting Goals sub-heading.
