Little Progress is Better than None: 3 Ways to Prepare for a New Year

 It is extremely easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty for not achieving every goal set or not progressing as much as you would have liked throughout the year. I know that I almost allowed myself to throw a pity party because at times it felt as though I was moving at a caterpillar’s speed, to reach financial stability and other personal goals. I had to reflect and be reminded that this year has been a wild and unpredictable roller coaster for many people worldwide, just due to COVID-19 wreaking havoc. I have learned to not bask in the “would haves” and “could haves,” and instead rejoice and be grateful for all the progress made, for little progress is better than none. I want to challenge my readers to complete these 3 things to help boost enthusiasm for the new year and to provide a clear sense of direction.

      1. Be Proud of the Progress You Have Made

If you have made it through 2020 alive and healthy, pat yourself on the back because that in itself is a lot to be proud and thankful for. As previously stated, it can be disappointing when you have not reached the heights that you have hoped for; however as long as you are breathing and have the will to continue working on your goals, they can be obtainable with time and persistence.
 
Start reflecting on the good things that have transpired and the steps or goals that you have completed in 2020. For instance, I really wanted to buy a townhome or condo for my first place, alone. Initially I was a little upset, but I realized that everything is a process and there is no rush. I am blessed to have been able to live with my parents as I saved up and finally moved into my own one-bedroom apartment. I am also blessed because I worked hard over this year by moving to a new state and securing a job at one of the most well-respected hospitals in the south, during a pandemic.
 
Choosing to acknowledge the progress you have made thus far and giving yourself credit, makes all the difference in how you feel towards yourself and will motivate you to continue moving on up. So, for this upcoming 2021 year, I would like to challenge you to write down 3 things that you have accomplished or made progress in during the 2020 year and take the time to reflect on those achievements.
 
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      2. Begin Setting Goals for the New Year 

Once you are done reflecting on the progress you have made this year, it is time to start thinking about how you want to continue improving in 2021, by setting or revising goals. Write down your goals and post them up where you can see them, to serve as a reminder to keep working towards them. Make sure your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound) and focus on all aspects of your life. For instance, do not just focus on the financial and career aspect of your life, but also explore other areas to improve in such as your social, spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Once SMART goals are set, it will help provide a sense of direction and purpose for this new season.
 
      3. Speak Positive Affirmations for this New Year 

Speaking positive affirmations is such an important and powerful tool for your mental health, assisting in overcoming negative self-talk. Its as if the affirmations rewire the way you think, causing you to believe as well as begin living what you are saying.  Start thinking about the behaviors and situations that you would like to see improvement in and create affirmations to recite daily.
 
Affirmations are written down in the present tense, and usually begin with “I am…” For example, one of the affirmations I would repeat daily was “I am more than enough” and “I am grateful for the work experience I am gaining at my job.”  For 2021, I challenge you to repeat at least 10 positive affirmations in the morning before starting your daily routine.
 
Furthermore, I desire for my readers to make the best of this new year by obtaining all that God has in store for their lives. Remember to set goals and speak positivity over your life, while also being grateful and proud of every step you take no matter how small it is - for a little progress is better than none!

I want to hear from you. How was this past year and what steps are you planning to take for 2021?
​XOXOXO