Be an Optimist

Deb is a Communication Coach. Her services focus on building, strengthening or repairing relationships for individuals, teams or groups. She uses a unique blend of empathy and insight to unravel conflict, isolate issues and enhance growth. Contact her using the form on her website at: DobbsCommunication.com

With the start of a new year, we often hear friends making New Year's resolutions. They make promises to do something, or to refrain from doing something. Some people spend a lot of their time thinking up resolutions and promises. Yet so often those promises are not kept. What about when you make promises to yourself? How do you feel when you do not live up to your own expectations? What happens when you feel you have fallen short of your goals?

Everyone experiences a time when they fall short of their own expectations. Perhaps they miss out due to inadequate preparation. Or perhaps the goal they want turns out to not be what they really want. Either way, languishing in despair is not productive. When you find yourself feeling defeated, it is time to regroup and try again.

Here is a remedy to get you up and back in the game. Start fresh. Take stock of what happened. Be honest with yourself. Figure out what part of your plan did not roll out the way you anticipated it would. Admit that you may not know everything about what you want to do. Let those with good experience guide you. Find a mentor. A good mentor is successful at what you are striving to do. LISTEN to their advice. Be open to hear criticism. Accept constructive criticism as golden nuggets of feedback that can make you better. Next, create your plan of action. Get organized. Think your plan through. Then take the next step, start.

Make 2019 your year to achieve your goals. Let your efforts build your confidence. Let your confidence focus your actions. Start now.