Nicole Che
MCP, MD, Registered Clinical Counsellor
September is a great time to reset and start anew. Most people wait for the new year, but the fall is just as good a time as any.
As summer days get shorter and pumpkin spice lattes make their way back into coffee shops (and your stomach!), students everywhere are preparing for the start of a new school year.
New classes, new books, new stationery, a new start, and new goals. But for those of you no longer in school, this energy for renewal often passes by without much excitement, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you have been thinking about getting back into an old routine or starting something new, now is a great time to harness that energy and give it a go! As with any change, you may be feeling apprehensive or unsure of how to start. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Set Attainable Goals
Set small attainable goals to keep yourself motivated. This provides more opportunities to celebrate the changes and acknowledge the progress you are making. The more encouragement you experience, the more motivated you will be to continue reaching your goals!
- Reflect on Your Strengths
If you’re hoping to get back into an old routine, the best place to start is by asking yourself how you did this before. What strengths did you have the first time you embarked on this journey, and what new ones did you discover along the way? If you’re hoping to start a new routine, consider what traits have gotten you through challenging times. Then play on these strengths.
- Acknowledge Loss in Change
Every time there are changes in your life, even good change, there’s a sense of loss associated with it. For example, if you are trying to hit the gym in the morning before work, you may be losing out on some sleep. In acknowledging the losses, you allow yourself to validate how difficult it can be to make a change, giving yourself some grace when things don’t go smoothly right out of the gate.
- Practice Self Compassion
Returning to an old routine or starting a new one is not always a linear process. There are always ups and downs, some days you’ll get it right and others may be a challenge. This can be particularly difficult if you have a history of being hard on yourself or if you hold yourself to a standard of perfection. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be human. This entails positive self-talk and encouragement instead of perpetuating hurtful patterns of putting yourself down.
- Ask for Help
Trying new things or re-trying old things does not have to be a solo journey. Involving other people in your goals helps to keep you on track, and provides much needed support and accountability when things get tough. People who involve others in their journey have a much greater chance of achieving their goal than those who do it alone.
We are Here for You!
If you are looking for more targeted support and accountability in developing better habits, improving a relationship, or overcoming an obstacle, contact the team at Brentwood Counselling Centre today to start making the changes you desire in your life. Now is a great time to start!
