Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions Through the Power of Reflection

By Allison Musser, LPC, Clinical Manager

A New Year’s resolution is a promise to ourselves that we’ll make big changes. But what if I told you that 80% of resolutions fail by mid-February? Nobody likes broken promises, but it hurts even worse when we let ourselves down. Not long after we fail to recognize our value, causing anxiety, depression, and overall worse mental health.

Maybe it’s time we rethink New Year’s resolutions—by not having any at all.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Reflection

Many people will tell you to “look forward, not back.” However, looking back is not a pause button on our future; I’d argue it empowers us to lead forward.

At evolvedMD, personal and professional growth are pillars of our people-centric culture. Part of that is intentionally reflecting on and celebrating our accomplishments—no matter how big or small. Doing so is proven to boost mental health and help people feel more optimistic, and thus are more likely to set manageable, achievable goals.

So, let’s reflect on our wins from the past year as well as strategies for tackling 2024.

Before You Set Goals, Take Time to Reflect

I’ll start with what brought me joy this year. Professionally, I left a once-satisfying job in community mental health because it no longer brought me natural joy or passion. Yearning for new challenges and adventures, I joined evolvedMD as a Clinical Manager to learn its unique collaborative model, train therapists seeking licensure, and increase access to high-quality mental health services. Personally, I learned how to balance new job anxiety while raising my daughter, in part to evolvedMD’s culture of continuous support and work-life balance.

I asked my team to tell me what they’re celebrating this year:

Heather Hifler, LAC, is almost done with observation hours through evolvedMD’s clinical supervision program and will be ready to submit her licensure application.

Rosa Molinar, LMSW, expressed appreciation for joining a company where she feels cared for and visited two national parks.

Jennifer Shokranifer, LMSW, began her journey with evolvedMD, bought a house with her partner, and is now expecting their first child in 2023.

Christopher Trotman, LMSW, co-authored his first published article in a social work academic journal and successfully relocated to Arizona from Baltimore with his wife.

Leah Wolin, LMSW, switched clinic locations and learned four new EHR systems, acknowledging that she’s capable of doing difficult things even though change can be scary.

As a company, we’re celebrating expanding access to care for nearly one million people, nearing 100 employees, and being recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by our people—again. Heading into 2024, we look forward to bringing our transformational services to primary care practices in Colorado, Texas, and elsewhere.

Now it’s your turn: look back on your personal and professional wins this year. No matter how big or small, celebrating your success will boost your confidence, optimism, and put you in a much better headspace to make intentional plans for achieving your goals.

Things to Keep In Mind Before You Tackle the New Year

Artwork by Heather Hifler, LAC, Behavioral Health Manager

Now that you’ve celebrated your wins from this year, it’s time to take start looking ahead. As you begin to craft your goals, keep the strategies I propose below in mind. They will make achieving your goals that much easier while also keeping your mental health in check:

Maintain a Positive Growth Mindset
People who maintain a growth mindset don’t see failures as setbacks; just springboards for success. I’ve had team members say, “I’m not fast enough, I’m not doing good enough.” Instead, I challenge their thinking by telling them, “No, you’re learning something new. Take a second to reflect on what you’ve learned so far, then let’s set goals together so you can continue growing.” Challenge your thinking by acknowledging what you’ve already learned and what you can learn next.

Take Stock of Your Skills
We all have strengths and weaknesses but tend to dwell on our weaknesses. Listing your accomplishments is a great way to better understand your skills and where you can devote more thought and time. Also, it’s important we take stock of where we were before, where we are now, and where we can go. The entire process is a journey worth celebrating and critical to setting realistic goals.

Realize that Progress Is Never Linear
Setbacks are normal. They don’t necessarily mean we’re further away from achieving our goals; a step or two back is still progress. No matter what happens, lean into the discomfort of any setback, and see it as a learning curve. You’ll build resilience over time and become better able to navigate any other setbacks or disappointments.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No one achieves success without help. Many of my team members come from jobs where they didn’t feel comfortable asking for help. At evolvedMD, I’ll tell them, “Never be afraid to ask for help, but also come to me with a proposed solution first and we can work together to optimize and reach a desirable outcome.” Also, never underestimate the power of talking to a therapist – even if nothing is wrong. Therapists are great at helping people set realistic goals, no matter what they are.

I’m grateful to be part of an organization that empowers us to prioritize ourselves so we can lead lives we’re proud of. Taking time to reflect and celebrate has given me the clarity I need to tackle the goals I want to achieve in the new year. If you want the time, space, and support to do the same, I invite you to join our growing team. Not only will we celebrate your wins, but we’ll work together to get you where you want to be—whatever that looks like to you—with your mental health top of mind.

Chase your goals and celebrate your wins with evolvedMD.

About Allison: Allison Musser’s expertise in driving improved patient outcomes stems from about 11 years of experience in behavioral health and 10 years professionally as a counselor. After graduating with her Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University, she started her career working in a shelter for runaway youth and then spent time working in residential treatment. She is most passionate about helping people attain resilience and overcome adversity in their lives. In her free time, Allison loves taking her daughter to her favorite park and exploring Phoenix’s exploding food scene.