What's Stopping You This New Year?

Many of us start the year with a lot of excitement, hope, and resolve to make it the best year yet. We set lofty goals, make promises to ourselves, and make a commitment to break old habits, but as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, we frequently find ourselves caught in the same old patterns, finding it difficult to move forward with our goals. What's stopping you this year? Is it procrastination, fear, or self-doubt, or is it something more profound, such as a lack of motivation, clarity, or purpose? Whatever the case, the first step in overcoming obstacles is recognizing them.

Common Obstacles to Success

1. Fear of Failure: The concern that we won't live up to our expectations can be crippling. It's possible to feel that we're not talented, intelligent, or good enough to accomplish our objectives.

2. Self-Doubt: Self-doubt and negative self-talk damage our self-esteem and cause us to mistrust our own skills.

3. Procrastination: Postponing tasks till the last minute can result in lost momentum, wasted chances, and sadness and regret.

4. Lack of Clarity: Focus, decision-making, and action can be hampered by unclear priorities, values, and goals.

5. Perfectionism: A fear of taking chances, analysis paralysis, and hesitation can result from striving for perfection.

Breaking Through Barriers

1. Acknowledge and Accept: Acknowledge the challenges that are preventing you from moving forward and accept them as a natural aspect of your personal development.

2. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Reframe negative thoughts into empowering, optimistic ones and confront negative self-talk.

3. Take Small Steps: Divide large objectives into more achievable, smaller steps, and then consistently work toward reaching them. Remember SMART goals? (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound).

4. Seek Support: Be in the company of upbeat, encouraging individuals who inspire and drive you to realize your greatest potential.

5. Develop Self-Compassion: Show yourself the same patience, love, and understanding that you would a dear friend.

As we commence this new year, let's keep in mind that challenges are a normal part of life. What counts is how we handle them. Through recognizing and embracing our uncertainties, concerns, and limits, we can start to overcome the barriers that prevent us from moving forward. Thus, remember that every little step forward is a positive move, take a deep breath, and treat yourself with kindness. This year, what's stopping you? Make this year the best one ever by recognizing the challenges and overcoming them!