As we start off a new year, let’s talk about reflection and goal setting. We often don’t reflect on the progress we’ve made on the way to our goals, so it’s time to remind yourself that it's about the journey, not the destination.
When reflecting on the last year, the last two while we’re at it, it’s so easy to get caught in the negative. All of the pain, loss, fear, fighting, and turmoil our world has been in. But what about the good? What are you grateful to have in your life right now, what are you grateful about having brought into your life within the last few years? Did you have any goals you accomplished this year? Do you even remember what your goals were? Almost everyone heads into a new year with goals. And if all we do is look forward, we forget where we came from. Take a step back to really reflect on the progress that you’ve made. Are you in a better place than you were this time last year?
Maybe the answer is yes, and you have tons to be grateful for. But maybe that answer is no. If all you did the last two years was survive, that’s okay. You’ve made it through, and every day provides new opportunities. It’s time to celebrate that survival, take control moving forward, and start utilizing each day’s opportunities to the fullest.
When thinking about goals for the coming year, it is important to remember the most effective way of reaching goals in the long run is not to restructure your entire life overnight. More often than not, that just leads to burnt out people and abandoned goals. Instead, all you really need to do is work up to where you want to be, little by little. It’s as simple as aiming to be 1% better each day. Start thinking about it in terms of habits instead. Want to get more active? Work towards a habit of movement. Want to focus on healthy body weight? Implement habits of nutritious eating, stress management, and movement that you LOVE! That is where you’ll find success. Work backwards. Where do you want to be this time next year? Then determine how can you get there.
Start small and let it snowball! Soon you’ll gain motivation, confidence, energy, and PROGRESS towards where you want to be!
Happy New Year!