Happy New YOU Year!
Each and every day is special. On January 13th, the day centers around YOU! It is "Make Your Dreams Come True" Day. The year that time stopped has now passed, and it's time to focus on the future. The future starts now, and it begins with you, your dreams, hopes, passions, and goals. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a few simple tips on how to make your dreams come true.
Set Goals
As military spouses, we often set aside our own hopes and dreams for our military members and families. In doing so, we lose sight of ourselves a bit. The new year is a chance to reclaim ourselves and be positively selfish. Think about setting some goals for yourself this year.
Start by thinking about what makes you happy or, better yet, what motivates you. Is there something you used to do for fun but no longer seem to have the time? Have you always wanted to pursue your education, but it's been derailed by life? Have your health and wellness taken a backseat to homeschooling and merely keeping the military family ship afloat?
Start the new year off right by making a list and checking it twice. Instead of writing who's been naughty, be nice to yourself by setting goals for the year. They can be small or large. You see, the best part of setting goals is dreaming big. Your dreams are your goals. It is time to make them happen.
Make a Plan
If there is one thing military spouses know how to do and do well, it is planning. We continuously plan for the unexpected. The first step towards accomplishing your goals is to make a plan and put it down on paper. Whether big or small, seeing it in writing versus visualizing it in your head can make a huge difference. Put your plan someplace you can see it often, so you literally don’t lose sight of your dreams. Perhaps you can accomplish one thing in a week, while other parts of your plan might take months or the full year to complete. Set a timeline for yourself and take one small step at a time.
Even the best-laid plans will fail if they aren’t appropriately researched. Start the planning process by doing your research. Conduct thorough research by learning all you can about what you wish to accomplish. Examples might include looking at the university course catalog, reading product reviews, and estimating the costs of starting a new business.
Finally, accountability is key in setting and achieving goals. Holding yourself accountable means you take responsibility for reaching your goals. Sometimes we need a little help from our friends. Do you have a cheerleader, loved one, spouse, partner, or advocate who can share in your hopes and dreams? Find someone who can help hold you accountable to set, work towards, and achieve your goals.
Celebrate Your Success
When we set goals, there will be setbacks along the way to accomplishing our dreams. However, there will also be many milestones, both big and small, to celebrate. When you can mark off a to-do list item, you have a reason to cheer. Share your joy and accomplishments with others. Your children, spouse, and family will be proud of you, and you will be proud of yourself.
Share your joy with others on social media. This can serve as both a motivation to accomplish more and help hold you accountable. In sharing your success with others, you may also help motivate another military spouse to follow in your footsteps.
As you achieve a goal, you are one step closer to making a dream come true. Take time to celebrate what you have accomplished. However, it is also essential to reflect on the process. What went well? What would you change? Look back on the path that led to the success, thank the people who helped you get there, and use it as your roadmap to plan future goals.
Along with a new year comes the possibility of a new you. Take the time this year to set goals, make a plan, and celebrate your success. Make your dreams come true by focusing on YOU! Here's to a Happy New YOU Year!