New Year…New Me?
So, the new year is fast approaching and everyone around you has their New Year resolutions already planned out, on their vision boards, in their planners, everywhere that can be posted as a reminder, but you don’t. If you’re wondering “am I broken?” or “how do I go into the new year looking forward to a new me when I don’t even have the old me figured out?” Don’t fret. Keep reading for 5 tips to move forward into the new year, even with the uncertainty of this year that is almost past you and some catchy tunes to start your playlist as you plan things out.
1. Look back at it
a. This isn’t just a catchy lyric in one of your favorite hype songs, but to get an idea of how to move into the “new you” concept, one must take inventory of what you are moving on from. One way to do so would be to take a piece of paper or digital document and write out what went well for you this year, what didn’t go so great, opportunities for improvement, and benchmarks that would’ve been nice to meet. After you’ve compiled your list, take a look at the top things and examine why those they were categorized as they were and if they are important enough to revise the approach taken or revise the goal and attempt it again.
2. Make your list, and check it twice
a. Again with the song lyrics...I know! Creating a list of top goals allows for you to get a big picture view of where you want to go in the next year, or two or three, etc. Have you ever heard of the adage “if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail?” This isn’t to say that you are doomed without a plan, however, lists allow for organization and prioritization of effort and resources. The other cool thing about it is that you get to decide what it is that you want to do.
3. Tell me it’s real…SMART
a. Are the items on your list for moving into the new year Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART)? This has nothing to do with intelligence, but more to do with setting you up to W-I-N. If the items on your list fall under the “SMART” category, that makes them easier to manage and more likely to be accomplished, especially if there is a realistic and relevant timetable that goes along with them. Not sure if they are? Ask a friend (or therapist).
4. Move chick!
a. Get out of your own way and get into action. This doesn’t have to be a Herculean effort, but the act of moving towards the goals you’ve set gets you just that much closer accomplishing them, which in essence helps to bring that “new me” into fruition.
DISCLOSURE: The information provided on this website is intended to be informational and educational. Utilization of this website, review of its contents, and/or implementation of literature presented herein does not constitute a therapeutic relationship with Jazzmyne Aaron, LCSW-S, CCM, nor any practitioners employed by or contracted with Mountain of Strength Counseling Services, PLLC. The information on this website and its affiliates are not a substitute for a relationship with a therapist or licensed mental health professional, however, if you are interested in beginning your journey with Jazzmyne Aaron, LCSW-S, CCM, or an associate of Mountain of Strength Counseling Services, PLLC.
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