The end of the year can be a challenging time for many, the change in seasons can disrupt our circadian cycles, the holidays can trigger negative emotions, days are shorter and colder, and we can be reminded of things we did not accomplish during the year. Always remember that the new year can be a time to start fresh with goals and plans. Remember that societal expectations are not often realistic as everyone’s journey is different. The 25 under 25, 30 under 30, or 40 under 40 lists are great to view but can discourage those who feel like they have not accomplished much or feel “stuck” in their current work situation. Societal expectations can also cause you to feel inadequate if you have not accomplished traditional social norms such as marriage and/or children prior to a certain age. Remember that your journey is yours to make, you cannot let societal expectations dedicate whether you are “successful” “accomplished” or have the “ideal family.”
Our differing backgrounds, experiences, and upbringing impact where we start our journeys. A first-generation college graduate from an underserved community may not start in the same place as a tenth-generation college graduate from an upper middle-class background. Those of us who graduate from college with debt vs those who do not have debt will have different experiences. Likewise, those who do not pursue higher education will have different experiences. Those of us who have more resources to manage household responsibilities (i.e., childcare worker, housekeeper) will have more opportunities to accomplish goals than someone who is independently managing household responsibilities.
Instead of viewing the end of the year as a reminder of things you did not accomplish, reflect on things that went well during the year. Celebrate your accomplishments, hold on to your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Each year provides another chance to accomplish your goals, dreams, and explore new passions. Press towards the mark for your goals, develop a plan, start small if needed, and write it down. Have you heard that writing down your goals or dreams increases the likelihood that you will make progress towards them? Writing assists us with visualizing the goal or dream. Vision boards are a terrific way to press towards your goals, inspire creativity, and help with stress management. Daily Dopamine makes a great vision board to help with goals and dreams. I like this board because it has options for career goals, healthy lifestyle choices, self-care, financial goals, and travel goals. This kit also comes with supplies and does not require tape, glue, or scissors. You can even reuse it for a variety of goals and dreams. Daily Dopamine can be purchased through Amazon at this link https://amzn.to/3BYUd6x. If you are more of a writer, I would recommend the SETTINI Life Planner, which is a holistic life planner that comes with a life balance assessment and allows you to focus on a variety of goals such as exercise, friendships, family, and learning. The SETTINI Life Planner can be purchased through Amazon here https://amzn.to/3C17TOx.
Wishing you health and happiness
My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 