STEPS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS IN 2022

BY FAZEEDA ABDUR-RAHMAN, PH.D., LCSW

It’s a new year, which means for many of us we would like to embark on experiencing new and better things. We may think about how we can improve ourselves, our lifestyles, and our relationships with others in our lives.

BALANCE

As we think of goals we want to achieve in different areas, be it health, wealth, career advancements, or growth in other ways, it’s important that we take a holistic view of what we need for our betterment, as well as for the betterment of our relationships with others.

As we plan ahead, an important theme I believe is balance. Whatever our goals may be, it’s important to keep them in proper perspective and consider how to achieve them in a way that allows for wellness mentally, emotionally, and physically, as well as spiritually.

Deciding on our priorities and balancing time put towards our goals according to our values can help align us in the right direction. Goal attainment is important, but not important enough to jeopardize health or relationships.

CONSISTENCY

As a mental health professional that focuses on supporting women, I often hear about the difficulties of goal attainment. Common goals for women are self-growth and weight loss. Women may start off on a strong path toward achieving their goals, but sometimes because of exhaustion or laziness, progress becomes less and less, or may even stop altogether.

Starting off with big goals is an important early step towards goal attainment, but implementation is also important. No matter the specific goal, the best way to achieve them is through consistency. Consistency can be a big challenge for many of us, especially if we have no one to hold us accountable, so obtaining help to keep focused is important.

FOCUS

Figuring out how we can keep moving towards our goals can be the difference between success and failure. An important step is getting focused. One way to do this is by having an accountability person to discuss progress. Having an accountability partner can be a positive resource. Whether that person is a good friend, family member, or even a therapist, determining that person early on and enlisting her or his support can be very helpful.

Here are some additional tips for focus to help you on your journey:

• Create realistic goals and, make them as specific as you can with an intended timeframe.

• Create a vision board and keep it somewhere you will see it. Seeing images and words important to you can be inspiring.

• Connect with others who are working towards similar goals. You can provide each other with mutual support.

• Keep motivation high by placing affirmations wherever you will see them most. It will help to keep you positive and hopeful.

Achieving goals is hard work, but it can be done.

If you are in need of support as you work towards your goals and would like to connect with other women who are also working towards their goals, reach out to learn more about the services that Vibrant Women Wellness Counseling (VWWC) offers. Dr. Fazeeda Abdur-Rahman is owner of Vibrant Women Wellness Counseling (VWWC), a Christian-based mental health company located in Queens. She can be reached at [email protected] or (718) 844-5390. Learn more at vibrantwoman.me.

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