Setting Realistic Health Goals for the New Year 2021
As one of the most challenging years of our lives comes to an end, we are all looking forward to a brighter and healthier 2021.
New Year’s is a time of reflection. During this time, most of us, including chronic disease patients, take inventory of the year’s accomplishments and things that need improving.
Given the difficulties and uncertainty of the last year, many patients will be eager to set health goals for the coming year. However, setting unrealistic goals can hinder a patient’s disease management.
That is why patients need to discuss their health goals with their physicians. Physician input is critical in the process as it helps patients set a measurable goal for their condition. The method of setting attainable goals is known as collaborative goal-setting, and over the years, it has proven to be extremely successful at improving chronic disease behaviors and outcomes.
Tips for Setting Realistic Health Goals
While individual goals vary, some strategies can help patients commit to the process and achieve their health goals.
Set Few Yet Well-Defined Goals
The start of a new year signifies a fresh start for most people, and unbridled excitement can lead to high expectations and the inevitable endless list of new year’s resolutions.
Change is not easy, and it requires work and dedication. Therefore, patients are better off setting one or two well-defined goals.
The key to successfully changing behavior is to take small steps. Physicians and patients can establish small, concrete steps. Once achieved, another set of actions will be ready to implement. Slow but steady progress is always better.
Acknowledge Progress
Any progress is an achievement regardless of how small it may seem. By setting attainable milestones, chronic disease patients can learn to recognize these small victories and congratulate themselves for their hard work and dedication.
Keep a Journal
One way to stay motivated and committed to new health goals is to write about the journey. It’s not unusual for chronic disease patients to feel isolated in their disease management.
By writing about their feelings, struggles, and victories, patients can find a way to stay motivated and committed to improving their quality of life.
Share the Success
When given a chance, most people will prove to be very supportive. Sharing victories and milestones on social media, with support groups, and friends and family opens the door for others to understand chronic disease patients’ struggles and offer support and encouragement.
Devise a Plan for Dealing with Missteps
No matter how committed a patient is to improving their health, there can be challenging and discouraging times.
When this happens, it’s easy for patients to blame themselves and become unmotivated. Having a plan in place from the beginning that addresses this scenario will help patients regain their confidence and stay positive.
Knowing how to deal with failure is key to achieving health goals. If a patient misses their milestone, they should know it’s okay. After all, it’s not about winning a race, it’s about improving their lives and health during the journey.
At Altus Biologics, we are hopeful that 2021 will bring some sense of stability and normalcy back to our lives. We are confident that medical advances will continue to improve the lives of thousands of chronic disease patients. We remain committed to making new therapies available for all who need them.
