This time of year is often conveyed as a fresh start – the perfect time to change habits and set new goals to better oneself. Although the new year does bring the opportunity to begin a new chapter, it also tends to create a false sense of what is attainable versus what is realistic. Whether you partake in setting resolutions or not, it can be beneficial to reflect upon one’s habits and think about how they align with the person you want to be in general – not just this year.  As I sat down and took some time at the beginning of this year to reflect on the things I want to personally accomplish, I kept a few guidelines in mind:

• Prioritize reflection, not pressure. We are all human, and it is okay to not be the idea of a “perfect” person. Rather than focusing on the idea of “fixing” yourself, it can be most beneficial to instead pinpoint the areas in which you would like to grow. It can help to reflect on previous experiences, what habits helped you, or what may have set you back. Select the areas that stand out to you the most and compile some action steps that will help you to excel in the categories specific to you.

• Be intentional with your goals. What do you really want to accomplish out of life, not just this year? And what can you do in the next 12 months that will help you to get there? People often think that all of their life goals must be accomplished within the year ahead but really, it is about the little steps that you can take in this time that will ultimately lead you to accomplish your major goals down the line.

• Create small, specific goals and check in on them regularly. One thing I am implementing this year is creating monthly goals, rather than goals for the overall year. For example, at the start of January, I wrote down a few things that I’d like to accomplish within the month. At the start of February, I will then check in on these items and set a new list of goals for the month ahead. By doing this, I can remain more disciplined with my goals and remind myself often of what it is that I would like to accomplish. This also creates more urgency, as I will be checking in on my goals at least 12 times a year, rather than just once at the start and once at the end of the year.

• Incorporate flexibility. It is not attainable to be on-the-go at all times. Unexpected obstacles almost always appear, so it is important to keep in mind that flexibility is essential. I like to make sure that I am considering the possibility of unplanned events and account for this when I am setting my goals. It is important to also make time for rest, relaxation, and fun.

All in all, while this time of year can be inspiring in prioritizing your life goals, it is important to do so in a realistic, attainable, and compassionate way. I hope the year ahead brings about nothing but resilience, growth, and happiness for us all!

Image sourced from Pinterest user Lynn Delahey