I am not one of those who believes in New Years’ resolutions as I always believe that if you want to make a change, there is no better time than the present. So that idea of waiting until a new year to make a change…gee whiz…call me impatient, but I ain’t gonna wait that long if my mind is made up to do something. On that note, I do enjoy reflecting and in this post, I want to share some inspiration for you (and myself too) to say Bye-Bye 2017 and HELLO 2018!
TAKE BABY STEPS
The transition from infancy stage to toddler, isn’t an easy one.
There are many unknown challenges which lie along the path of development.
Ever heard of the term “baby steps” or that “you’ve got walk before you can run”?
These are just some of the milestones in the early life of a child.
A toddler falls, gets hurt & bruised and cries but always picks himself up again, with determination.
There is a lot that us adults can learn from the innocence and determination of children.
When you look back at 2017, think about your setbacks as lessons learned and allow those experiences to make you forge ahead with vigour in 2018.Regardless of how many times you fell whilst trying to walk, think about how much you want to achieve your goal and get up, stand up, show up and be amazing!
Take baby steps – do it again and again until you succeed.
That’s just life and not all of us get it right the first time.
BE PRESENT
Don’t be so overly focused on the goal, that you neglect your loved ones.
Be present. I don’t just mean physically but mentally too. Being on your cell phone whilst your child is craving your attention as you do your banking or chat to friends or check social media, doesn’t count as being present.
Sometimes we are so overly focused on the goal, that we lose focus of the things that matter.
SET REALISTIC GOALS
Here are a few simple steps to help you refocus:
1. Ask yourself, what is the goal you wish to achieve?
Be specific – what is it that you would like to achieve?
2. Ask yourself, what is the current reality?
Be honest with yourself and acknowledge & accept where you are in the process.
3. Assess what are the obstacles preventing you from achieving your goal. List them.
Then ask yourself, what options are available to overcome each obstacle.
4. Finally, ask yourself what is the way forward?
List the actions that you will take to achieve this outcome
In case you haven’t come across this model before, it is called the “GROW” Coaching model. I have used this for many years in my Coaching Sessions to improve performance operationally across different industries, and I can confidently say that it works in personal life situations as well. Yes, I too, have tried and tested the model and still do use it.
Bye-Bye 2017 and HELLO 2018!
If 2017 didn’t feel like it was “your” year, make a commitment to yourself to make positive changes.
Changes that will allow you to move away from things/people that drain you and that don’t add any value to your life.
Here’s some inspiration below which I created to help you progress in 2018:
love it
Thank you, I’m very glad to hear so😊
Good thoughts. ‘17 was going ok until November (health) in the midst of craziness (moving). I’m glad to see it go!
And what’s great about ‘18? 1/1/18 was a Monday: new day, new week, new month, and new year! And a clean page in the journal!
A great way to rise by learning from the past, well equipped for the future! Thank you so much for writing!
Indeed so! Thank you for visiting and hope to see you again soon 🙂
YES! You will rise!!! Here is to a fantastic 2018
Thank you and all the best to you as well 🙂
Yes on reflecting on the last few memorable lessons of 2017. I also agree that setting resolutions is setting yourself up for expectations that could lead to discouragement. It’s best to pick 5 critical tasks to do each day and keep track in journal. Great post and thanks for sharing!
My pleasure and thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. All the best to you for 2018 🙂
Thank you for dropping by my blog. I concur with your thoughts about how we approach goal setting. We also need to take notice of the advice we give others and make sure we apply it to ourselves. Part of my start to the New Year is to incorporate others’ wisdom in planning for the coming year and not allow myself to be distracted. But as you say they need to be realistic goals and not at the expense of loved ones. May you grow and prosper in 2018 as well. This time next year hopefully I can look back and be proud of what I have achieved! All the best to you.
I like that analogy about the toddler… pick yourself up and try again hey.. happy new year!
Thank you and Happy New Year to you as well 🤗