It is incredible how quickly the New Year comes around. It seriously felt like Easter was only yesterday! With everything already looking pretty bust on the calendar, be sure to take some time to reflect on the past year and think about what you might want to achieve in the year to come.
New Year’s resolutions may seem a little cliché, but not only is it a great excuse to take a little time out from the hustle and bustle of this crazy time of year and put some plans in place, it is also a good time to look back on the year that was and set some personal goals that you really want to reach.
Whether it be learning to surf, completing a 5km fun run, smiling more, taking more time for you or teaching yourself to play the guitar, we have some little tips on how to set these goals and ensure you have the right tools in place for you to accomplish them.
- Clearly define your goals. Just like when playing a sport. There is a clear line to run across, poles to kick between and nets to throw through. Try and ensure your goals are clear and concise, and know why you would like to achieve them. Ask yourself what is its purpose and why is it important to you? Even if it is something small, consider why you have included it and how it will add value to your year – it might just be chilling out more and seeing the funny side of life.
- Be realistic. Avoid setting goals that will feel overwhelming or are just on the list for the sake of it. By setting realistic goals for the year, this will not only make you feel good when you reach them, but it also means that you can work towards that even bigger goal you have set over a longer timeframe.
- Make your goals measurable. Where
possible, ensure you set milestones that you can celebrate along the way. This will make each task feel less overwhelming and feel much for achievable. - Don’t make your list too long. Not only will this set you up for disappointment and make you feel a little out of your depth, it can also make you feel like giving up and throwing the list away all together. Be specific about what you want to achieve, understand why you want it and what the benefits will be once you hit your target.
- Tell your family and closest friends what your goals are so they can be your support and remind you why you set your goals in the first place. You will hold yourself accountable by doing this, but they can too.
Finally, as your year progresses, make sure you are not too hard on yourself or take life too seriously. Sometimes life can take funny, sad, amazing and crazy turns, so don’t beat yourself up if you are unable to succeed in those specific goals within the year. Above all, make sure you look after yourself, take time to move, relax and prioritise you and your health.
The team at Barefoot Physiotherapy wish you a happy and safe New Year!