Here it is again: another year almost over. There were so many things you promised yourself you would do, but you just never found the time. Now with the holidays looming, family coming, a house that needs cleaning and kids who will soon be out of school for the holidays, finishing any of those projects seems hopeless. Try a different focus.
Why don’t you take a minute to revisit what you did accomplish before you revisit what you hoped to accomplish? Did you play with your kids and help them with homework? Did you have a kind word or smile for people you met as you ran errands? Did you call or visit friends? Did you find time to enjoy your family?
Too often we focus on the negative rather than the positive: I didn’t volunteer at the local shelter or I didn’t start that exercise program. While it is important to have goals, it is also important to think about why you have those goals. The goals you set should be realistic for you. Don’t set your goals based on what someone else does. You don’t have to volunteer at a shelter to make a difference, but if you want to do so in the New Year, go for it! Plus, there are lots of other things you can do to help those in need. For example, once a week you could send a card to someone in a nursing home or someone who is home bound. You will be amazed at the joy you can give with a simple act of kindness.
At the end of the year, some people start to look back at what they didn’t do in the past few months. Instead, try appreciating what you did do. And if you want to do more next year, then set goals that are unique to you!