Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions – Progress Over Perfection

New Year’s resolutions often come with high expectations, but how do we actually sustain meaningful change? In this episode, Oren and Derek dive into the psychology of resolutions, goal-setting, and the importance of consistency over perfection. They explore why many people abandon their resolutions by late January and how shifting the focus from outcome-driven goals to daily progress can lead to lasting change.

Key Discussion Points from Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions – Progress Over Perfection

• Why New Year’s resolutions often fail and how to reframe them.
• The difference between setting goals vs. setting expectations.
• How perfectionism and unrealistic benchmarks can lead to disappointment.
• The power of incremental progress—why small daily habits matter more than grand resolutions.
• Strategies for staying motivated even if you’ve “fallen off track.”
• The importance of self-awareness—examining whether our goals are for personal growth or external validation.
• How shifting our mindset to “one-day-at-a-time” thinking can make change more sustainable.
• Insights from therapy and recovery: Why abstinence alone isn’t enough for true personal transformation.

Related content to “Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions – Progress Over Perfection”: How to Manage Setbacks in Recovery | Never Give Up

Connect with us:

• Millennium Counseling Center: Website
• Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn
• Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn

More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:

The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer various counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program emphasizing personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.

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