A Guide for Practitioners and Trainers on how to harness integrative approaches to New Year’s Resolutions to support our patients’ commitment and success, by Jayney Goddard MSc, PG Dip Ed, FCMA FRSM. President, The Complementary Medical Association
The New Year presents an opportunity for fresh starts and goal setting, and for complementary medical practitioners, it’s an ideal time to support our patients in their journey towards better health and wellbeing. However, statistics reveal that many resolutions fail by mid-February. As health professionals, we can guide our patients and clients to create sustainable change using integrative approaches that enhance commitment and deliver lasting results. In this article, we look at a variety of integrative approaches to New Year’s resolutions that really will help to enhance patient commitment and success!
The Psychology of Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions often falter because they’re rooted in external pressures or overly ambitious targets. Understanding the psychology behind goal setting is critical. Research shows that goals are more likely to succeed when they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
To help patients craft resolutions they can stick to, consider these key psychological principles:
- Intrinsic Motivation: Encourage patients to set goals that align with their values rather than societal expectations. For instance, choosing to exercise for improved energy rather than weight loss taps into deeper motivations.
- Behavioural Activation: Help patients identify small, actionable steps towards their goals. Breaking down big objectives into manageable tasks increases the likelihood of adherence.
- Growth Mindset: Foster resilience by framing setbacks as learning opportunities. This approach can help patients stay committed even when progress is slow.
Integrative Approaches to New Year’s Resolutions – Goal Setting
Integrative medicine offers a holistic framework that supports patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. This perspective can be invaluable in creating meaningful resolutions. Here’s how:
1. Mind-Body Techniques
Mind-body practices like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can bolster patients’ ability to focus on their goals. Studies have shown that mindfulness improves self-regulation, making it easier to resist unhealthy behaviours and stick to resolutions.
Practical Tip: Teach patients simple mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or body scans, to help them manage stress and stay on track.
2. Personalised Nutrition Plans
Dietary changes are among the most common New Year’s resolutions. Yet, restrictive or fad diets often lead to frustration and failure. As practitioners, we can guide patients towards balanced, personalised nutrition plans that prioritise health over aesthetics.
Practical Tip: Encourage patients to adopt the 80/20 rule, focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods while allowing for occasional indulgences. This balanced approach reduces feelings of deprivation.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Insights
TCM emphasises harmony and balance, offering a unique perspective on achieving health goals. Encourage patients to align their resolutions with the principles of yin and yang or the seasons. For example, winter is a time for reflection and nurturing energy, making it an ideal season for setting intentions rather than pursuing vigorous changes.
Practical Tip: Suggest gentle lifestyle shifts, such as adding warming foods to the diet or engaging in restorative practices like Tai Chi.
4. Integrating Technology
Digital tools, such as health apps and wearable trackers, can enhance accountability and motivation. Whether patients are monitoring sleep, activity levels, or meditation streaks, technology offers real-time feedback and positive reinforcement.
Practical Tip: Recommend apps that align with patients’ goals, such as MyFitnessPal for nutrition tracking or Calm for guided meditations.
Supporting Commitment
Even the most well-intentioned resolutions can falter without the right support systems in place. As practitioners, we play a pivotal role in fostering commitment and resilience.
1. Regular Check-Ins
Frequent follow-ups provide an opportunity to review progress, address challenges, and adjust goals. These sessions also reinforce accountability, which is crucial for long-term success.
Practical Tip: Schedule monthly or bi-monthly appointments specifically to discuss progress on resolutions. Offer encouragement and celebrate small victories to keep patients motivated.
2. Community and Social Support
Encouraging patients to involve friends, family, or support groups can significantly improve adherence. Studies have shown that people are more likely to achieve their goals when they share them with others.
Practical Tip: Recommend group activities, such as yoga classes or walking clubs, where patients can connect with like-minded individuals.
3. Visualisation and Affirmations
Visualisation techniques and positive affirmations can help patients internalise their goals and maintain focus. Visualising success triggers the same neural pathways as actually achieving it, boosting confidence and commitment.
Practical Tip: Encourage patients to create a vision board or write daily affirmations that reinforce their resolutions.
Measuring Success Beyond Outcomes
Success isn’t always about achieving a specific outcome. In integrative medicine, progress is often measured by improvements in overall wellbeing and quality of life. Help patients recognise the non-tangible benefits of their efforts, such as increased energy, better sleep, or improved mood.
Practical Tip: Use tools like the WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life) questionnaire to help patients assess their progress holistically.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Patients may encounter various obstacles in their journey, from lack of time to waning motivation. Here are strategies to address common challenges:
- Time Constraints: Recommend time-efficient practices like HIIT workouts or batch cooking to fit healthy habits into busy schedules.
- Loss of Motivation: Share inspiring success stories or revisit patients’ initial motivations to reignite their enthusiasm.
- Perfectionism: Remind patients that progress, not perfection, is the goal. Encourage self-compassion and celebrate incremental achievements.
My Final Thoughts
Integrative approaches to New Year’s resolutions empower patients to set meaningful goals and maintain their commitment throughout the year. By addressing the whole person and offering tailored strategies, complementary medical practitioners can help patients achieve sustainable, life-enhancing changes. This New Year, let’s inspire our patients to embrace their potential and thrive in every aspect of their wellbeing.
With the right guidance, tools, and support, 2025 can be the year that resolutions truly stick.
Further Reading
Making Resolutions Stick – The British Psychological Society
Seven Steps for Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick – Harvard Medical School