Do not bite off more than you can chew

As we step into 2024, many have taken to observing the tradition of bettering themselves. This time of year brings a sense of hope and opportunity to start new habits and set goals for how the rest of the next couple of months will turn out. 

UTRGV Professor Grant Brenham, director of the Stress and Health Lab for the Department of Psychological Science, said the number of people who kept their resolutions throughout the year would be higher if they approached it in a “more reasonable way.” 

“A lot of people take on these big, grand plans for things they’re going to do and they’re setting themselves up for failure, right?” Brenham said. “So, you’ve got to be kind of gentle with yourself, but also recognize that it is gonna take some work to actually succeed.”

This means setting specific and measurable changes, “something attainable that isn’t too much of a reach from what you’re doing right now,” he said.

The professor added people must also acknowledge that it is going to take commitment and pushing through difficult periods.

“If it was that easy, everybody would be able to do it,” he said. “So, when you’re struggling with it, recognize that’s part of the process and don’t let that be the thing that makes you give up.”

Brenham said to take into consideration that you don’t have to wait for the new year. If you want to change your behavior, it can happen any time of the week or month.

If you fail at your resolution or see that it hasn’t been going well, don’t give up just yet and decide to start again next year. Assess your progress weekly and monthly. 

Lia Cavazos, a political science junior, said she doesn’t agree with the concept of a New Year’s resolution.

“I think that a new year isn’t particularly a reason to be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to wait for the new year to change everything about myself.’ However, I tend to have the same goals throughout the year and life,” Cavazos said.

She instead focuses on bettering herself throughout the year.

Another important aspect the professor said to consider is who you surround yourself with. Some people may support your growth and some may just be a hindrance and get in the way.

“We are people that live in a social environment,” Brenham said. “So, a lot of the changes we try and engage in are influenced by positive and negative social connections.

“If you’re really serious about it, you have to kind of surround yourself with people that are going to have similar goals or at least support what you’re trying to do.”

Jimena Ruiz, a marketing junior, said her resolution is about nurturing a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, mentally and physically, by attending the gym, practicing self-care and embracing personal growth.

The Rider asked Brenham what habits people should practice to have a more relaxing and less stressful year.

He offered the solution of planning ahead and structuring.

“A lot of students get stressed because they’ve left things to the last minute and then everything’s piled on all at once,” Brenham said. 

This then leads to lack of sleep, uneven eating habits and lack of exercise, he said. All of these things start to happen because students are now struggling with their time.

Brenham said it is important to recognize that change is going to take “ongoing conscious attention and effort.”

“But that, ultimately, as we said, if you can replace bad habits with good habits, those good habits will become easier and more automatic,” he said. “They’ll just become a part of who you are as a person.”