Believe it or not it is almost 2025, How did that even happen? The years go so fast and if you have children you very much understand the phrase, “the days are long but the years are short”.

So, here we go, launching into a new year. Many of us will approach this year end/year beginning mark as a time of renewal, to set all of those resolutions and fulfill all of the promises we have made to ourselves throughout the year; lose weight, get that promotion, work out 5 days a week, drink less alcohol, drink more water, go to bed earlier, be kinder, volunteer… you get my drift. And while I don’t disagree that a new year can be a time of renewal, the best way to set yourself up for success is to be realistic.

It is a wonderful tool in therapy and an important life skill we encourage in our clients, to want better for ourselves. To identify a goal and to move towards that goal in measurable steps is the best way to set ourselves up for success. Please do not make a list of the five things you will start doing differently on 1/1/2025 and expect it to cause lasting change. There is a reason that many of us with gym memberships avoid the gym until February. It is known the new years resolution crowds will be gone in about 4 weeks. Instead, put a few goals for the year ahead and start with the most important to you. If your goal is to run a 5k, start walking 10 minutes 3-5 times a week for two weeks, increase to 20 minutes for 2 weeks and so on (there are actually steps for this if you look up, couch to 5k) until you have slowly met your goal. If your next goal is to read more, start in February by reading 10 minutes a day and increase slowly. Point being, if you start all of your goals at once and in full force it is the easiest recipe for frustration, disappointment and eventually giving up on your goal.

Make 2025 the year to focus on self care. Start small and slow knowing that there will be setbacks. Focus on one goal at a time so that change can be lasting. Wishing you and your loved ones all of the best in 2025!!!!