It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close and in a few short days we will be in 2024. As we finish up 2023 it’s likely that you are reflecting on what you have and have not done. Unfortunately, most of your focus is most likely on what you have NOT accomplished this past year.
This is the case for most of us. Regardless of how much good we have done or how many goals we have met, our focus tends to be on what we have “failed” to accomplish. Being therapists doesn’t make us immune to this type of thinking. Thankfully, we have a whole lot of control over that!
What Have You Accomplished in 2023?
As you are reflecting on 2023, don’t forget to highlight all the good you’ve done. You may be feeling like there was more you wanted to do, especially if you are one of the MANY who did not accomplish their New Year’s resolutions. Let’s be real, most of us don’t. I think resolutions are often a set up for disaster, but I still set one each year knowing I’m headed toward demise!
In our line of work we inherently touch a lot of lives and create ripples of positive change. Whether or not we recognize this and give ourselves credit is a whole other story. Adding your work with clients to your list of accomplishments in 2023 is a great place to start.
Take a look at what you have done professionally and literally write these accomplishments down. Have you done continuing education? Have you collaborated with colleagues? Have you worked on a certification? Have you set better boundaries? Are you finding your groove in your practice? All of these things are accomplishments. They take time, energy and dedication which means they deserve acknowledgement just like you do!
Benefits of Accomplishment Focused Goal Setting
As I mentioned, and you are likely VERY aware of, we focus on what we aren’t doing well when we set goals for growth. If you are getting ready for NYE and setting those resolutions, they are likely coming from reflecting on what you “failed” to do in 2023. Even though you likely know this type of thinking isn’t helpful, you’re still a human. I tell people all day long to focus on what they are doing well and the second I start planning goals for 2024, I’m beating myself up over something.
If we aren’t eating healthy we decide to be a pillar of health the following year. Not working out enough? Well then simply resolve to go to the gym EVERY DAY after January 1st, 2024! We magically expect ourselves to go from zero to one hundred right after the first of the year. I can’t even begin to say how unrealistic this expectation is. Don’t do this to yourself when it comes to setting goals professionally in 2024. (The same goes for personal goals, for that matter!)
When we focus on what we have accomplished and what we have done right in 2023 it puts us in a much better mindset. It’s likely you will be feeling more positive about yourself and your abilities. After looking at what you have completed or “done right” your future goals will seem more attainable than if you are simply focusing on what didn’t get done in 2023.
Many things don’t happen for us in our practice until we are ready. It isn’t for a lack of trying, rather as a result of improper timing. For example, if you set a goal of finding your niche in your first year of practice you are likely to be disappointed. Again, this is not for a lack of trying, it is more related to timing and realistic expectations. Our niche tends to find us when it’s good and ready!
Dream big, my fellow therapists, however, make sure you break those big dreams down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will allow you to celebrate along the way and build momentum in order to stay the course.
Add to Those Accomplishments in 2024
Don’t limit yourself to one goal in 2024, however, don’t make your list so big that you don’t want to look at it again until December 2024! I’m guilty of this myself. I like to dream big and make long lists of things, even when I know each item added to the list decreases the likelihood of completing it all.
Set realistic goals for what you would like to accomplish professionally in 2024 and be sure to break down that list of goals as you go.
Let’s say, for example, that you want to get certified in DBT in 2024. This is an excellent goal and could help you in your practice. It also isn’t something you’re going to do in a day. Break the goal down. Research certification requirements, pick out a training program you’d like to do, look into how this can help you in your practice. Those are three attainable goals all from your one accomplishment you’d like to achieve in 2024.
It can also be helpful to look at what accomplishments you can build off of your 2023 accomplishments. Perhaps you got your “S” in 2023. First of all, congratulations! Second of all, perhaps a 2024 goal could be to take on at least one supervisee. That may sound simple, however, there are a lot of things that need to happen before you magically have a supervisee. Celebrate your accomplishments and build off of them in the New Year.
To Sum It Up
The New Year seems to always sneak up on me, and perhaps it feels that way for you too. As you move toward 2024 reflect on all the good you have done in 2023. This will help you to set realistic goals to accomplish in the New Year.
We all know it’s easier to focus on what we are doing wrong as opposed to what we are doing right. Thankfully, as a therapist, you are likely skilled in cognitive reframing. Put those skills to work and focus on what you are doing well.
Practice what you preach, my therapist friend. See you next time.
*If you are interested in becoming an independent contractor with CCS and you are a licensed therapist in North Carolina, send your cover letter and resume to the following email: Applicants@CarolinaCounselingServices.com
