As the holiday season fades, many people shift from giving to others to concentrating on personal growth. New Year's resolutions often center on self-improvement, generating excitement or anxiety. But the pitfalls of unrealistic or unattainable goals, trying to achieve goals we see others setting, can set us up for feelings of failure -- defeating the purpose and triggering stress and anxiety, which can take a toll on our mental health.

Approaching New Year's resolutions positively is crucial to self-improvement, emphasizing mental health and well-being to enhance commitment. Prioritize mental health strategies as you work towards resolution goals. Tailor resolutions to fit you, considering excitement, simplicity, and small goals for positive momentum. Approaching resolutions one day at a time fosters intentionality and focuses on the present, reducing overwhelm. Prioritize mental health throughout the process, and if a resolution causes stress, reassess and adjust for overall well-being.

Here are tips for crafting resolutions with mental well-being at the forefront:

• Pick a Goal that Motivates You
• Break Down Your Big Goals into Smaller, More Manageable Goals
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection -- and Stay Positive
• Lean on Others for Support and Motivation
• Practice Self-Compassion
• Set a New Date
• Don't Compare Yourself to Others
• Know When to Ask for Help

Read more about setting healthy goals here.