Facing the New Year and a New You

When approaching the new year many people set goals for themselves they would like to accomplish this year. The reality, though, is that most will not achieve those goals. While the reasons depend on the person and the goals set, this does not have to be your reality.

Set Realistic Goals

Many times the goals that we set are so large that we set ourselves up for failure. Goals such as reading one hundred books in a year or lose one hundred pounds in six months sound great, but in reality are difficult to achieve because they are too big. This is especially true if one has never attempted these goals before.

One Step at a Time

One goal that many hear of involves making changes to one’s health. Many try to change everything all at once and within a short period of time discouragment and a sense of being overwhelmed sets in. The end result: going back to old habits.

Each change involves a new habit and by tackling this one habit at a time the new habits tend to stick. Instead of changing five things focus on the first change only. As you begin to see results another change is added, and then another, etc.

Set Small(er) Goals

Breaking your larger goal into smaller ones can make the task seem not so daunting. For example, if a person wants to read thirty books this year, they might focus on fifteen books in six months. At the end of six months this goal can be evaluated and changed if needed.

Community

We are created to be in community. In order to succeed we need a community to support and encourage us. This might be friends, family, counselor, support group, etc. Many people do not succeed in their goals because they try to do them on their own. Who can you add in order to be successful?

Accountability

Along with community we need those around us to hold us accountable. These are the people who are going to ask the hard questions and at the same time provide grace and truth when we need it. In order to have this we need to ask for it from those individuals that can hold on accountable to whatever goal that we are working towards. We also need to let them know HOW accountability should look for you. Who are your accountability partners this year?

Conclusion

As you approach this year take some time to reflect how you would like this year to be different. Maybe you are wanting to change yourself from within and realize that you need a counselor or a group to do that. It is okay to do this. There is a strength that comes from saying I can not do this on my own.

If your goals involve working through the challenges of being gifted, learning how to mange your ADHD with skills and strategies, or even learning how to face the challenging events of your past that are holding you back please reach out. You do not have to walk this path alone.