Experts Recommend Setting Specific Goals For 2022 Resolutions

New Year's Eve is just a few days away and millions of people are finishing up their list of resolutions ranging from weight loss, to new career paths and having financial stability.

Health experts said goals without a plan are wasted potential. After another challenging year, many folks are ready to hit the reset button.

"It's been a crazy 2-3 years for all of us," said Cole Long.

A federal government survey said nearly half of Americans make a New Year's resolution.

"My New Years Resolution would be to catch the biggest fish in Keystone Lake and to get all the new customers I can for Green-Smith Lawn Care," said Nick Smith.

"To play the piano more and possibly start teaching piano lessons," said Victoria Wimberley. "I grew up playing the piano from the time I was about 10 to 11 years old and it's just something that I just feel is a gift that should be given to other people, as well."

"Saving money, being on time and one of the biggest ones that just popped in my head is trying to live for the moment," said Long.

It's a beautiful 365 day 'do over' but several studies show most people will give up on their goals by February.

Doctor Nicole Washington said you have to set yourself up for success.

"People will often ask me, even as a psychiatrist, like what's the best plan and I tell them it's the one you're gonna follow," said Washington.

Want to save money? Washington said there are plenty of ways to do this including hiring a financial advisor, cutting back on luxury items, or saving here and there; however, she said people shouldn't feel like they have to cut out fun.

"People like to save. Right? They want to save money. They want to be more financially stable. They have things they'd like to accomplish and saving is another one of those things. If you say I'm gonna save $10,000 next year and then you don't really have a plan as to how you're gonna do that, it's gonna be very difficult to make that happen," said Washington.

Want to lose 50 pounds? She said that's great. You can meal prep, set a weekly workout routine, and focus on losing 4 pounds a month.

"Taking the time to figure out how do I get there, break it into smaller chunks that make it more attainable," said Washington.

Washington said many people have decided to make career changes since the pandemic.

"Some people want to make a career shift. They want to start a business. That's a great goal. You have to educate yourself on what that looks like because if you just keep saying, 'I want to start a business, I really want to start a business,' but you don't have any idea how to do that, come July you're gonna be very disappointed. You're gonna think, 'ugh, I didn't start that business.' But you didn't give yourself a chance," said Washington.

Washington believes setting unreasonable expectations only adds angst and lowers your self-esteem but said that's long been the American way.

"We've definitely been go go go. I mean, I'm a mom and I've definitely had the schedule packed with after-school activities. It's a lot. I don't know how we got here," said Washington.

Washington said the pandemic offered a unique opportunity to recharge.

"I do see a lot of families looking as we enter 2022 and 2021 things are starting to ramp up, I'm seeing a lot of people talk about taking time to reflect on if they want to go back to that life," said Washington.

Washington said it's important to remember resolutions can change. She recommends setting goals in different areas of your life.

"You know what those things are that are important to you. You know what those pie pieces are," said Washington.

Here's a goal. Washington said we should all become our own biggest cheerleaders and be kind to ourselves.