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Resolutions for a New Year?

Yes, you can change. And change doesn’t have to come just once a year.

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jim Thomas

For me there are two types of resolutions: Those made as the result of a period of reflection, such as New Year’s resolutions, which are often the product of a logical thought process (inventory of available resources, a review of goals, planning a step-by-step course of action and so on). And then there are the more spontaneous resolutions: “I can’t get these pants buttoned. I better get in shape.”

Both types of resolutions can be effective. It’s advantageous to plan change proactively, as in the New Year’s resolution, but it’s also nice to know that at any time of the year, you can make adjustments, or take steps to make your clothes fit.

The Web is with you

The Web offers millions of posts that discuss resolutions. The advantage here is that the chances are good you will find at least one post that validates your position on any resolution or resolution behavior, even if you have to search as far as the Times of India Mumbai. Also, a fair number of instructional blogs, for example, the Harvard Business Review site, hbr.org, and PsychologyToday.com, include one or more each January.

You might expect researchers to study those who make resolutions with greater frequency — after all, they could easily find millions of subjects who participate in “self-initiated behavioral change” each January. But reliable research conducted by behavioral scientists doesn’t appear too plentiful.

A study published in 2002 found that strategies, such as stimulus control (e.g. avoid fast-food restaurants if you wish to diet) and rewards for good behavior, were used by those who had success with resolutions. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology by John Norcross, Ph.D., also revealed that while gender and age did not predict success, the belief that you can change and a readiness to change, did.

A contact lens resolution

What do resolutions have to do with this month’s theme of contact lenses? It’s not a stretch to say that if you have the belief and the desire to change, this issue of Optometric Management can suggest the proper stimulus controls to improve your success rates with contact lenses.

If you’re perfectly content with the contact lens portion of your practice, then we invite you to e-mail us (james.thomas@pentavi sionmedia.com) examples of resolutions that have worked for you. And if you are just starting out with a new resolution, please accept our wishes for your success. OM