Dr. King Wai LEUNG , Frank
31 December 2024 Solihull, Birmingham, UK
As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, millions of people around the globe feel a sense of renewal. The New Year brings with it an open canvas, a chance to redefine our goals, and an opportunity to envision a better version of ourselves. However, as the weeks and months progress, many find their initial enthusiasm waning. Challenges arise, life gets in the way, and before we know it, our resolutions are left abandoned.
But let me reassure you, the journey towards self-improvement is not a straight path. It’s a winding road filled with both obstacles and opportunities. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that no matter how many times you’ve stumbled or lost focus, there is always a way forward. You don’t have to give up. Let’s explore how we can make 2025 the year of hope, resilience, and real growth.
Setting Feasible Goals: Start Where You Are
Alfred Adler, the renowned psychologist and founder of Individual Psychology, once said, “We cannot think, feel, will, or act without the perception of a goal.” This profound truth highlights the importance of having a clear destination in mind. Goals give our lives direction and purpose, acting as a compass when we feel lost.
But here’s the key: your goals must be realistic and achievable. Ambition is a powerful motivator, but overwhelming yourself with unattainable goals can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. Instead, start where you are.
For example, if your goal is to improve your health, begin with small, manageable steps like walking for 20 minutes a day or choosing a healthy breakfast. If you aim to advance in your career, commit to learning a new skill or dedicating an hour a week to professional development. Remember, progress—even small progress—is still progress.
When you set feasible goals, you’re building a foundation for long-term success. You’re also combating what Adler referred to as the "inferiority complex"—the feelings of inadequacy that arise when we compare ourselves to others or set unrealistic standards. By focusing on achievable steps, you empower yourself to grow and succeed.
The Power of Mid-Year Reviews
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their New Year resolutions is treating them as a one-time event. They write down their goals in January, but by March, they’ve forgotten about them entirely. To avoid this pitfall, incorporate a mid-year review into your plan.
A mid-year review is a chance to pause, reflect, and reassess your progress. Ask yourself:
Have I been consistent with the actions needed to achieve my goals?
What challenges have I faced, and how can I overcome them moving forward?
Are my goals still aligned with my priorities, or do I need to adjust them?
This process is not about beating yourself up for what you haven’t done. Instead, it’s an opportunity to recalibrate and refocus. Life is dynamic, and your goals may evolve as the year progresses. A mid-year review ensures that you stay on track and remain adaptable to change.
Do Not Lose Hope: Weathering the Storm
Life often feels like a series of seasons. There are moments of sunshine and joy, but there are also times of stormy skies and uncertainty. If you’ve faced setbacks this year—whether in your personal life, career, or relationships—know that bad weather doesn’t last forever. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.”
Alfred Adler’s teachings remind us that the human spirit is incredibly resilient. He believed that individuals are not defined by their circumstances but by their ability to overcome them. When you encounter obstacles, remind yourself that they are temporary. The sun will shine again.
Hope is not a passive emotion; it’s an active choice. It’s waking up each day and deciding to keep going, even when the path ahead is unclear. It’s believing in your ability to grow and adapt, no matter how many times you’ve fallen.
Overcoming the Inferiority Complex
One of the greatest barriers to achieving our goals is the feeling of “I’m not good enough.” This inferiority complex, as Adler called it, can prevent us from taking meaningful action. It’s the voice in your head that says, “Why bother? Others are already better than me.”
But here’s the truth: every single person on this planet has struggled with feelings of inadequacy at some point. You are not alone in this. The key to overcoming the inferiority complex is to focus on your unique strengths and potential.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Celebrate your small victories, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember, growth is a personal journey, and your progress is valid, even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.
The Sun Will Shine Again
As we step into 2025, let’s carry hope in our hearts. Let’s commit to setting goals that inspire us, embracing the process of growth, and refusing to give up when things get tough. Life is not a race; it’s a journey. And every step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to the person you want to become.
If you ever feel like giving up, remember Adler’s words: “Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.” Keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time. The storms of life may come, but they will pass. And when they do, you’ll find that the sun shines even brighter.
So, here’s to a year of resilience, growth, and hope. Let 2025 be the year you believe in yourself, set meaningful goals, and embrace the journey ahead. You’ve got this.
Auld Lang Syne
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