Welcome to 2026, the year you stay true to your resolutions and how therapy can help
Start 2026 committed to your resolutions—and discover how therapy can support your journey.
As we enter the new year, it is interesting to talk to people about their “resolutions” or goals for 2026. I love the energy of the start of the year and everyone seems to be experiencing that “magical motivation.”
Unfortunately, the motivation often tends to wean during the month of January, we get busy, we get tired and we tend to fall off our goals. In my practice, I frequently encounter people seeking therapy to learn how to be motivated. I often have to deliver the news that motivation is not a skill a therapist can simply give or teach. True motivation emerges after you initiate behavioral changes and recognize the positive feeling those outcomes create.
I think of the time my son was learning to ride his bike. He kept looking down at the wheels (which is not helpful for steering!). Assuming he was checking his feet, I was surprised when he stopped and said, "Mom, the pedals are only attached to the back wheel, so the front wheel only moves once the back wheel starts moving." I laughed, realizing I had never truly thought about how a bike works. This is exactly how motivation functions. The front wheel—motivation—won't just magically start moving because you want it to. You have to start pedaling and working hard.
So what does all of this have to do with therapy? As a therapist, I can not magically help you move your front wheel. I need to have you peddle the back wheel.
But what can a therapist help you with? Simply pushing you along to simulate riding would not lead to long-term success. The key lies in skills that support long-term change and sustained "motivation."
Here are the enduring skills therapy provides:
Increased Self-Awareness to Identify Priorities: We are much more driven to change when the action aligns with what we genuinely value. Therapy helps you increase your self-awareness, recognize what truly matters, and prioritize it. When we are consistently reminded of what's important, change becomes significantly easier.
Distress Tolerance: Managing the Uncomfortable: We are conditioned to seek comfort, often leading us to quit when something becomes difficult or painful. Therapy teaches you that it's okay to feel uncomfortable. You will learn to sit with distress and realize that you are still "okay." Since true change is often painful, knowing you can handle that pain is vital for sustained motivation and long-term change.
Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Simply attending one-on-one therapy sessions significantly improves your ability to communicate. You are required to talk and articulate your feelings, a skill many of us struggle to use effectively. Experiencing feeling heard and how to truly listen are life-changing skills that will benefit your relationships long after your therapeutic journey concludes.
Overall, therapy is an effective and helpful way to reduce distressing symptoms. But, there is more being learned and developed through the therapeutic relationship. It's not about the therapist moving the bike for you; it's about learning why "riding the bike" is important to you and recognizing that you can handle the discomfort of that first pedal.
Not to belaboring my metaphor, but the New Year does give us a gift of “magical motivation” to get on our bike, so it is a good time to take advantage of energy and seek the support that will help you to stay true to your goals.
Over the next year, I am committing to sharing what I learn with my clients in therapy and what I learned over the years as a therapist. Next post, I will be sharing how therapy can improve your relationships, even when your person is not in the room.
If you are feeling ready to make a change or ready to learn about how therapy can help you, please fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation call.
