New Year, New You
Many of us set the bar high for January in terms of ditching “bad” habits and starting the year with “good” behaviour. While we tend to have great intentions, we sometimes forget that when it comes to setting goals, it is imperative we set goals that are achievable. Setting ourselves up for success builds self-esteem, which in turn fuels future success.
Self-Awareness vs Self Judgement
Change is often precipitated by feelings of not being good enough in some capacity, as compared to others. When we compare ourselves to other people, we forget that we each possess our own gifts and abilities, and each of us is unique. Spending time reflecting on what we enjoy doing and what inspires us is the key to discovering our “super power.” Tools that can help include exploration through writing/art, connecting with community groups/organizations that interest you, and taking the time to reflect upon previous positive experiences.
Set Realistic Goals
Research clearly demonstrates the link between achieving goals and building self-esteem. Conversely, failing to achieve goals can undermine our feeling of self-efficacy and have negative impacts on mental health. This is important to remember when setting goals for ourselves. Make sure goals are measurable and attainable in order to keep the momentum moving forward. It may seem as though we are setting the bar low for ourselves, however evidence shows that building on small success is more effective in the long run.
Acknowledge & Appreciate Your Success
When you achieve a goal, however small, take the time to pat yourself on the back. Tooting our own horn can feel a bit awkward, however it is essential in terms of building the self-esteem required to move forward with our transformation.
A great way to start off the new year and gain clarity on your personal strengths and transferable skills, understand job search essentials, complete your resume and cover letter and hone your interview skills is to sign up for the 2020 Employment Vision week long workshop series January 20 to January 24th. As a bonus for completing this series you have the opportunity to obtain a first aid certificate at no cost to you. For more information contact us at 250-248-3205.
