Beth Jackson is an experienced psychotherapist and coach, working with clients across the UK and beyond. In counselling, she specialises in anxiety and self-esteem support and also works with many couples as well as those working through grief and trauma.
Whether you are making resolutions for a new year or want/need to make dramatic changes, January is a good time for reassessing and looking forward. Often, we may launch in with all the best intentions and wonder why we’ve given up by February. However, there are many ideas and strategies that can help keep us focused and make big changes.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. There are always going to be circumstances outside our control, illness, death, and other events that may come out of nowhere when we least expect them. However, with just some forward thinking and simple strategies, we can work to make enormous changes and make this year the best one ever.
Begin with a clear goal
This sounds so obvious, but being more proactive during each part of the planning stages will make an enormous difference. Think clearly about what you want to see as your objective. Imagine what it would look like, how you would feel, and what you would think. What would be the benefits of achieving this goal? Writing it down on paper or in your phone is a great first step. How committed are you to this plan? Is there anything that might increase your commitment? The time you spend planning now will help you move toward the success you want to see.
Break it down
What is most important to you about this goal? If it is to "get a new job," begin to think about what you are looking for specifically. Once you have decided, start breaking down the journey into smaller, more manageable steps. Often, we give up on a plan because it becomes overwhelming and seems impossible to accomplish. Be specific about each step, and write it down—even adding a rough date or time frame can often help.
Choose wisdom
Re-read your goal. Perhaps at this point, you might want to amend or change it to be more specific.
Now revisit each smaller step. Are they clearly leading toward your goal? Are they realistic? This plan will probably change, but the clearer you can be at this stage, the easier it will be later. For example, if your goal is to get fitter, try to amend it to make it more measurable and therefore easier to track progress.
Look for the positives
Think of your strengths, what will help you succeed? If there are things you have changed before, what made you successful then? If certain strategies work for you, employ them.
Decide on what will help you. For many, it is being accountable to someone. Just knowing there is someone you trust who can encourage you can help you keep going. If there are specific things this person can do, tell them. Make them part of the journey with you to support and celebrate each success.
Then revisit your plan and steps regularly. Tick them off or amend them if necessary, but keep that momentum going by recognizing the positives.
Be ready for the pitfalls this year
Consider what might go wrong. This may seem pessimistic, but being prepared can help prevent giving up further down the line.
Now, plan for these problems. What could you do if they happen? What is your Plan B? Or C?
At the tough points, it is also worth remembering why you began this journey. What was it that made you take these steps? Remind yourself what success would look like and make the next step an easier one to achieve.
Whether it is to lose a few pounds or begin a new career, it is possible to achieve this. Positive self-talk, encouragement from someone you trust, and regularly revisiting and amending the plan are successful strategies. I firmly believe that you can choose to make big changes happen in your life.
If you find yourself in a pattern of not achieving what you set out to do, you may want to enlist the help of a life or executive coach to set off in the right direction. Alternatively, you could work with a counsellor to help you recognize thought and behaviour patterns that may be holding you back. Please get in contact with me here if you would like more details. I wish you the very best for the upcoming year and hope you see the changes you want to make happen.
Read more from Beth Jackson
Beth Jackson, Psychotherapist/Counsellor and Coach
Beth Jackson works as a psychotherapist and coach in her private practice in the UK and online across the world. She focuses on the aims of the client, working sensitively and supportively to help change happen quickly. Her intention is for clients to recognise their own capabilities and help them empower themselves to live the life they want.
