New Year’s is a time for change and growth. Many view this time as an opportunity to work toward a goal by creating a New Years resolution. The idea of creating a goal for the new year can certainly be daunting when you are already facing daily challenges.
A question to ask yourself would be, ‘What do I want my life to look in the new year?’
Focusing on which areas you want to see change in. Think to yourself, “do I want to feel more connected?” or “do I want to feel comfortable in my body? “or “do I want to express myself more creatively?”
These are great examples of larger goals that we can break down into smaller steps throughout the year to make them more attainable.
The concept of a SMART goal can be helpful to consider. This goal setting process can help goals stay realistic and serve as a check-in regarding your Goal setting process. It can be important to ask yourself are your goals:
Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Determine how you will measure progress and know when you’ve met your goal.
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and possible to complete within the set time frame.
Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your values and long-term goals.
Time bound: Set a deadline for when to have met your goal..
Starting any new goal or change can be difficult to do on your own. Setting and sharing a goal with someone can help with holding ourselves accountable. Leaning on friends or family can be a built-in external motivator. Be sure to check your community boards in public spaces; libraries, gyms, cafes, and so on for local events to find what may interest you.
In our Self-Management Program, we work on reviewing many different topics on how to live a healthy life, in our own ways, while working on goal setting. This may be a great opportunity to feel supported while learning to navigate goal setting.
Change is hard, making sure your goals for this new year are ones you want to work on is important to help with motivation and drive to meet them. Change is a healthy part of growing as well, we evolve as people and can become healthier, happier humans.
