Music Therapy is a profession in which behavior can be modified both temporarily and permanently with the reinforcement of music, or musical instruments in combination with specific verbiage. In order to set up clients for success, the therapist must pay close attention to the clients baseline, their goals and how they are going to get them there. Sometimes goals are are met in one session, making them short term goals. Most New Year’s resolutions that are made are long term goals. Part of being successful by the time 2017 gets here is realizing just that. Here are five tips from a music therapist on how to keep those resolutions in tact throughout the entire year:
- – Categorize your goals into short and long term. Or you can actually combine the two. “How?” you may ask. Well, you can break up your year-long goals into 12 small goals – one per month. That way you can feel like you’re getting somewhere while still working towards your long term goals.
- – Set yourself up for success. This is called “successive approximation”. For example, if hitting the gym is something that you never do, don’t assume you can make it happen five times a week for the entire year. To start, make it a goal to go twice a week. Then pencil in when you will start going three times a week, like for the month of February or March. In this case it’s better to dip your toe in the water rather than jump all in.
- – Physically write down or type your goals and make lists at least once a week to meet them. Some people are naturally pros at making lists, but it’s the following through part that becomes difficult. The next tip goes more into detail on how to get yourself to follow through.
- – Reward yourself for following through. It’s better if you avoid food and sweet treats throughout this process. Instead, try treating yourself to a massage, a trip to your favorite store, or just do something you love doing, but never get to do.
- – Don’t be afraid to adjust your resolution even after a few months. You need to give yourself an ample amount of time to see if a goal is fully attainable, but if it truly isn’t working out because of unforeseen changes, there’s nothing wrong with adjusting it! On the other hand, if you meet your goal, adjust it again to expand on that goal.
Wishing you the best of luck with your resolutions. Have a healthy and happy 2016!