As the new year begins, a lot of people feel inspired to start fresh by doing new things, starting new routines or habits to have a renewed sense of self. Almost everything around you scream New Year, New Me, from social media to family and friends to advertisements pushing the narrative of leaving behind our old selves and reinventing who we are in the new year. While it is important to set goals, it can also get overwhelming when there is pressure to reinvent yourself overnight. Instead of striving for a perfect version of you, try starting the year with gentleness and embrace growth without sacrificing your well-being.

Here are some ways to help you begin the year refreshed, motivated with intention and compassion for yourself:

  • Honor where you are: Rather than trying to start the year with a complete transformation, start small. Embrace small sustainable changes that feel like you without unnecessary pressure on yourself. Take time to focus on your accomplishments rather than perceived failures.
  • Reflect on these:
  • What are you proud of, even if it is small?
  • What strengths helped you navigate this past year?
  • What skills/qualities helped you this past year and how can you incorporate them in the new year?
  • Set gentle and realistic goals that align with your values: to make big changes, it requires time, patience and practice. Having ambitions isn’t bad, the problem is when we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, we find it difficult to work on them and then it starts to look like failure. Instead focus on small adjustments, break large goals into weekly or daily actions and celebrate your progress as you go.
  • Avoid constant comparison: Be kind to yourself, you are enough, just as you are. The pressure to change everything can lead to constant comparisons with others. This overlooks the full story behind your accomplishments, your journey is not going to look and be like others. When you find yourself comparing yourself to others, try replacing it with curiosity. Ask yourself “what can I learn from this?”, limit your social media consumption. Remember, your timeline is different from others.
  • Seek support when needed: this time can be overwhelming; it is important that you don’t navigate these feelings alone. Reach out to friends and family you trust, they can help you actively work towards the small goals you set for yourself.

Also, remember that you are not alone in this. If you or anyone you know is struggling with this new transition, help is available, do reach out or refer them to Capital EAP. Our counselors at Capital EAP are ready and available to help guide you on this journey. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to connect with our intake team, who can help you set up an appointment. Remember to move at a pace that honors your needs this new year.

By: Oreoluwa Afolabi, MHC Intern