Coming to the close of one year and starting into a new one is always a good time to take stock of our lives. To take a look back and see what we have managed to achieve, and assess whether or not the goals we set ourselves were achievable, too easy to achieve, or totally beyond our reach. Then we can use this information to set better goals for ourselves for the future.
Always keep in mind that you should have short term, medium range and long term goals. Short term is usually within the next six months. Medium range is twelve to eighteen months. Then long term goals are those we set for five to ten years. As I just mentioned, there are times when these goals need to be re-assessed, and sometimes even replaced with entirely new ones.
Laying one goal or dream aside and taking up a new one is not usually a good idea. It usually shows lack of commitment and self-control. However, there are times when this needs to be done due to circumstances beyond our control. Some of these reasons could be family issues, relocation, financial, or even health. When we have to change our goals and dreams, it can be very difficult. We can feel like we have failed to achieve anything. The trick here is to accept what we have achieved as an achievement, no matter how small it may seem. Then build on that achievement.
Setting new goals and dreams when your last ones weren’t achieved may seem pointless, but if we plan nothing for the future that is exactly what we will achieve – nothing! So take some time, assess what you have achieved and set new goals and dreams that you can achieve in the future.
It is also a time to think of family and friends, loved ones far and near. Many people are lonely this time of year and find it hard to reach out to others. Then there are those who a so busy that they don’t have time to scratch themselves. There only ever seems to be two sides to every coin. However, if we look closely we will notice that there is another – around the outside of coin. It is much thinner that the two faces, but is much longer in length.
How we see life and the choices we make may seem like a coin – with only two choices. However, with a little bit of work and some creativity we can make life much nicer and richer for ourselves and others. Contact people who you know are alone or have recently lost a loves one, and let them know they are not forgotten. Try to give a gift to someone who might not get anything else – it doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful.
In planning to do something nice for someone else, someone who might not be able to return the favour, you will make yourself happier and are more likely to enjoy the festive season, than if you only think of those who can give things in return.
No matter whether or not we achieve our goals and dreams, make someone else happy, or just have more fun ourselves - always remember that life is not easy! But how we react to what happens, comes into or leaves our lives is what really matters, and makes the difference as to whether or not we cope.
Until next year - remember, safety first!