Since 2020 is just around the corner and it’s that time when people are creating New Year’s resolutions, I thought I’d share something about goal setting.

For those who are new to my blog, I work as a mental health support worker and part of my job is to discuss what goals the clients would like to achieve during our time together. From losing weight, to visiting family, to playing sports, to just having coffee once a week.

Now some of you may think…

Really? Coffee once week? As a goal?

I know I did when I first started. I mean it’s just a cup of coffee, right? I drink that good ole pick me up every day. Sometimes at home, sometimes at a cafe with friends and I’ve never thought anything of it. It was just part of my day-to-day. Surely we could be doing something else.

And yet, the moment we’re sitting at the cafe, the coffee in the client’s hand, they’ve got one of the biggest smiles on their faces. Maybe we chat, maybe we don’t, allowing a comfortable silence to settle in our space. Still…

Did this weekly coffee outing really mean that much to them?

Yes. It truly did.

These clients have told me that our coffee outings are one of the highlights of their week, sometimes the only highlight of their week and I’m always touched by their words, knowing that I get to be a part of it.

And then when I learn more about why it’s one of their highlights, it dawned on me that what may be a small goal to others, what I have guiltily taken for granted, is a huge deal to the client. Hearing this, I couldn’t help but think about my writing.

See there are days when all I write is one sentence. One sentence because that was all I could manage. To others, even to some writers, a sentence as a goal may not be a huge deal, but to me, it is, because that could be the line readers remember from my story or it could simply be my favorite line. So just like how the client loves our weekly coffee outing, a goal that is dear to them, I have my one sentence that is dear to me.

All goals matter.

Your goals matter.

So set them for next year, do what you can to achieve them and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

***

Thank you to those who read this post. I’d like to mention again that what I write about is simply a reflection of my own personal experiences. By sharing my thoughts about the things that have motivated and inspired me as well as the people in my life, I’m hoping I could motivate and inspire others. I’m aware that everyone’s situation is different and if what you are doing works for you, I’m really glad. Please continue doing what you’re doing.

That’s it for 2019.

I’ve had a great year. I hope you have too. I’m really excited to start the new one because I have some posts lined up that I can’t wait to share with everyone.

Until then, keep writing, stay safe and I will see you in 2020.

Photo Credit: Ross Varrette on Unsplash