For the New Year, we often set ambitious goals like eating healthy for every meal or exercising daily but maintaining these resolutions can prove harder than we thought. We all have to acknowledge that change is difficult, especially when coping with emotional challenges like grief. It's important to accept setbacks without judgment and get back on track quickly. But where to start?

How to Discover Your Goals

To discover your goals, start by writing down the answer to this question; if we were meeting here January 1^st 2025—and you were to look back over the last year to today – what has to have happened in 2024 for you to feel happy about your progress? This can be personally, professionally, or both. Brainstorm ideas.

Starting Small

Consider these things you’d like to accomplish and pick the one that seems the most important to you. Then create small, practical goals, paced throughout this year, which will help you reach that outcome. The overwhelming nature of life change can make it feel insurmountable, but this written plan serves as a reminder and a motivator, particularly for times enthusiasm dims.

Strategies for Success:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Consider what you truly want to achieve in the coming year. Set practical, achievable, incremental objectives and associated actions.
2. Positive Framing: Phrase your goals positively. Instead of negative statements like "Don't be sad," opt for affirmative, identity statements like, "I do one thing weekly that makes me happy."
3. Try New Things: Challenge yourself to try something new. This can be a small step out of your habits and into engagement. Trying new things benefits both your mental and physical health.
4. Find a Buddy: Having someone you communicate with about your goals creates accountability. Honesty and steering clear of judgment will help your partnership thrive.
5. Document Your Journey: Write down your thoughts and goals. This list acts as a map between where you are and where you want to be, as well as a record of your achievements.
6. Embrace Failure: Don't fear failure. It's a part of the journey toward success. Avoid worrying about moments when your behavior doesn’t align with your goals. Pick up immediately and try again from where you are now.

If you’re at a place where you feel ready for change, approach the year with intention. Understand that happiness, health, or creating anything new is a continuous effort, and small steps can lead to significant changes in your journey toward feeling like you’ve done what you’ve wanted to do.