Once the fireworks are over and the ball has dropped, it feels like anything is possible. While ringing in the new year doesn’t mean an instant clean slate, it’s a great opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the past year while looking forward to what you want to achieve in the next one. For those struggling with the impacts of problem gambling, setting intentional resolutions is the key to changing behavior and improving quality of life. Keep reading to learn how celebrate New Year’s Resolution Week (January 1st-7th) by selecting resolutions that matter and elevate one or more aspects of daily life.
Setting & Achieving Resolutions that Matter
The word “resolution” has a bit of a bad reputation, with many people leaving their well-intentioned gym plans and financial goals in the dust around the second week of January. However, this year we’re breaking that cycle and turning resolutions into realities with positive impacts that last well beyond 365 days.
A pro tip for those who are visual learners is to create a mood board with the resolutions and related images so you can have a physical reminder of what you want to accomplish. We also recommend telling a close family member or friend about your goals so they can help you achieve them or simply check in on your progress throughout the year. We firmly believe preparation is the key to success, and with the right game plan, 2023 can be the best year yet.
2023 Resolutions Guide
The first step to creating a list of resolutions is to choose a meaningful goal and then break it down into smaller components. For example, if someone is experiencing difficulties with gambling and wants to heal through recovery, that would be their overall goal. Once the overarching resolution is established, they should list out the steps they’ll take to achieve it, which in this case begins with calling the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling’s (FCCG) 24/7, confidential, and multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine. Other steps to recovery may include:
- Spending more time with loved ones
- Attending a self-help meeting
- Taking advantage of the 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine’s free services
- Investing time in other activities, such as golfing, traveling or art.
These steps can be adjusted to fit personal preferences and needs, but should still follow a few rules of thumb. They should:
- Positively impact multiple areas of life
- Be as specific as possible in the breakdown steps
- Be able to be worked on every day
- Be achievable based on schedule demands and starting point
- Be Beneficial to overall wellness
- Have set milestones so you can track progress
The Resources You Need to Succeed
Recovery is a team effort, not a solo sport, so as you tackle their resolutions this year, FCCG is here to provide the right resources for compulsive gamblers and their loved ones. Start the journey today by contacting the Problem Gambling HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), texting (321-978-0555), emailing ([email protected]), chatting (gamblinghelp.org), or visiting us on social media.