As we all know, the first day of the year carries a different kind of energy. It is arguably the most highly anticipated day, and the excitement goes through the roof. There’s just something about that fresh start feeling that makes people believe they can finally step into something new and meaningful. The rush of hope and possibility pushes people to start awakening long-lost dreams again, attempt to quit bad habits, break into an industry, change their circle of friends, and pursue growth in both professional and personal life. This leads people to set great new goals for themselves. That’s really the driving force behind what we now know as “New Year’s resolutions.”
This is a beautiful phenomenon to experience, and there is absolutely nothing bad about it. However, the truth about excitement is that it is a temporary high and cloud nine that we have to come down from eventually. After a few months, some people get to ask questions like, What was I thinking when I thought these goals would be possible? Is it even possible that this year could be better than last year for me? Well, for most, this is the point where indifference begins to set in, and the questioning continues. Sad right!
Starting Doesn’t Mean Finishing
Have you noticed that everyone starts well, then after a while, they fall back into the routines of the previous year? That’s why the month of July is good news for everyone. It brings back the feeling of newness that comes with the start of January. One way to see it is that July is the beginning of the second half of the year. Therefore, it allows us to remember the goals we started the year with. This can allow us to review our plans because at this point in the year, most people have a better understanding of their obligations and routine. Once a person has a better understanding of areas that they can do better, that can help them set more realistic goals. We know that July is a gift that can correct the course of our year if rightly used because it’s a pivotal season.
When Motivation Meets Reality
Darren knew that 2025 was not the time for jokes, so he came into the year properly prepared. He had his goals which stated that, at the end of the year, he should have written 25 short stories, 5 plays, 5 novels, 35 poems. He was working towards becoming the next Stephen King. He needed to practice writing to improve his craft. Since becoming a better writer was a non-negotiable requirement for his dreams to come to pass.
At first he was excited about the possibilities 2025 held, but resuming work after the Christmas break his excitement disappear. When he started to combine his personal goals with professional responsibilities, he realised that he did not properly account for how much time he would need to achieve his goal. Soon, he could not keep up with the strain of working on both, and before he knew it, he had dropped the goals to face his commitments at work.
It’s Not Over Until You Say So
So every June, Darren had a habit of reflecting on his performance at work. While he was doing his mid-year reflection, he suddenly remembered he had not written any of the poems, novels, or plays he had planned to write. He was simply amazed at how time flies. As he thought over his goals again, he realised the mistakes he had made in drafting his plans. It was at that point he began to make the necessary adjustments. This ensures that he balanced his professional responsibility with his personal goals in a way that would not overwhelm, discourage, or distract him.
From Darren’s story, we can learn not to be angry at ourselves for not pursuing our goals. Not pursuing our goals does not mean we need to give up on them completely. The second half of the year presents an opportunity to do better. All we need to do is reflect on the adjustments that we need to make.
So, dust off the disappointment and discouragement of not following through with the plans you had at the beginning of the year. Ensure you set SMART goals! These are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It becomes easier to adjust and to achieve. This would enable you become the person you want to be.
Your dreams are still attainable, you might just have to adjust your goals.
