December 12, 2023 – El Dorado Hills, California – In a groundbreaking revelation poised to transform the way individuals approach health and personal growth goals, Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, LCPC, art therapist, and BRCA2+ breast cancer survivor, unveils research findings that challenge the traditional reliance on willpower. The study underscores the paramount importance of adopting approach-oriented goals over avoidance-oriented ones, with a remarkable effectiveness rate of 58.9% versus 47.1%.

The research, drawing from a Swedish study, further highlights a key success factor: the identification of a support person combined with ongoing support in the form of information, guidance, and progress check-ins from researchers. This approach resulted in an impressive 65% maintenance of resolutions one year out, indicating a pivotal shift in strategy for long-term goal achievement.

Moreover, the research advocates for goal flexibility as a pathway to greater well-being, emphasizing mental adaptability and the ability to reframe setbacks, delays, or obstacles. Two critical elements emerge as indispensable for sustained success – social support and interpersonal strategies. Studies cited (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33802749/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/) underscore the long-term impact of these factors on personal development.

Stephanie McLeod-Estevez suggests practical strategies to implement these findings into one’s life. She recommends writing goals using the approach-oriented method, urging individuals to focus on how they will feel and the influence they can wield to achieve their objectives. The advice is to draw inspiration from the concept of a “fresh start” and modify goals as progress unfolds. Additionally, practicing the art of revising expectations and embracing mental flexibility when dealing with the present moment is advocated to reframe setbacks effectively.

Social support emerges as a cornerstone for success, with Stephanie noting that isolation can magnify the perception of roadblocks as insurmountable. Community engagement is positioned as a vital tool, helping to validate the normalcy of challenges, and facilitating collaborative solutions.

Creative expression, through writing, drawing/painting, singing, and more, is highlighted as a powerful method to address resistance and celebrate progress. Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, with her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience, provides a fresh perspective on the age-old challenge of maintaining commitment to health and personal growth goals.

Available for exclusive interviews, Stephanie can address critical questions, including the impact of her breast cancer experience on the illusion of control, the barriers to change, the viability of New Year’s resolutions, and the role of creative expression in achieving lasting change. 

About Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, LCPC

Stephanie is a resilient art therapist and breast cancer survivor dedicated to empowering women to lead bold lives despite obstacles. With 20 years of expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, Stephanie advocates for living radiantly through the transformative power of art therapy. As a featured speaker at Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s national metastatic breast cancer conference, Stephanie shares her visionary insights on emotional healing.

Learn more about her impactful work and subscribe to her newsletter at www.stephaniemcleodestevez.com.

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