Embracing the Year of ‘The Self’: Staying Motivated and Overcoming Challenges in Your New Year’s Goals

1. Recognizing and Managing Triggers 

Let’s discuss an important concept: triggers. Triggers are things or situations that can make us feel a certain way or react in a particular manner. 

– Emotional: Stress or anxiety turning your mood dial down. 

– Environmental: Places or social settings making your motivation stumble. 

– Social: People or social circles that bring out your dormant habits. 

In our journey through 2024, understanding and managing what triggers our stress or lack of motivation is crucial. Here are some steps to help: 

– Identify Emotional Triggers: Start by pinpointing what exactly triggers your stress or anxiety. Is it work-related, social situations, or a specific time of day? Keeping a journal can help you track these triggers. 

– Techniques for Emotional Triggers: 

 Once you’ve identified your triggers, use techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or a short walk to calm your mind. For example, practice deep breathing for a few minutes when you feel stressed, focusing solely on your breath. 

– Address Environmental Triggers:  

If your environment is causing stress, take steps to change it. This could mean organizing your workspace, adding elements that bring you joy, or creating a quiet, dedicated space for relaxation. 

– Manage Social Triggers: 

If certain social situations or people trigger negative emotions, try to limit your exposure to these environments. Instead, seek out groups or individuals who share your interests and goals. Engaging in communities, either online or in person, that align with your aspirations can provide positive reinforcement and support. 

– Regular Review and Adjustment: 

Regularly assess how these strategies are working for you. Be open to adjusting your approach as you learn more about what effectively manages your triggers. By following these steps, you can gain better control over what affects your mood and motivation, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Pull up those emotional sleeves and ready yourself to face these head-on like a brave knight readying for a dragon standoff. 

2. Keeping the Momentum Going 

– Set Smaller Goals: Your main goal can be a beast, but a beast can be cut to manageable size. 

– **Reflect on Your Reasons:** Every beautiful dawn is an end to a dark night; remember the darkness which made you seek the dawn 

3. Finding Healthy Alternatives 

– For Sobriety: Swap boozy meetups with walks, coffee dates, or other sober adventures. 

– For Self-Care: Swap toxic routines with those that promote relaxation and well-being without losing the fun. 

4. Staying Flexible and Adaptable 

Oh, the ironies of life! You’re a goal-setting, hardworking go-getter, but suddenly, life happens.