How I’m setting attainable goals for the new year
What realistic resolutions look like for me as someone with Cushing's disease
Another year has come and gone. 2024 was a big year for me. I went through several medication changes and increases in dosages, an egg-freezing cycle, started a new job, and made a few big life decisions. I worked on writing a novel and shared my story with all of you (and got to hear some of your stories in return!). It was both difficult and rewarding, and I’m happy with the progress I’ve made professionally, personally, and with my health.
As the year ends, I reflect on the concept of resolutions. Many people start the new year with a focus on being healthy and becoming a better version of themselves. Popular resolutions include exercising more, losing weight, and being more focused. If that works for you, that’s fantastic, but it always makes me feel like I’m setting unreachable expectations for myself.
I have big, exciting goals for my life. I want to write and sell diverse and inclusive books, find happiness, have kids, and live happily ever after with my husband and our cats in a blue house with red shutters. But as wonderful as that all sounds, achieving those goals will take a lifetime. I can’t change my life in a day, a week, or even a year.
Setting ‘doable’goals
As someone with Cushing’s disease, health goals are even harder for me to reach. I’d love to lose weight or lower my inflammation levels, but no matter how hard I try, these things are largely out of my control.
When I’ve set goals like this in the past, I’ve felt incredibly frustrated. I always fall short, or something changes that makes the goal impossible. For example, in 2022, I set a goal of running a marathon. Six months later I found myself in a wheelchair. Chronic illness is unpredictable and can get in the way, despite our best intentions.
This year, I’m setting resolutions that are attainable and don’t have anything to do with my main life goals. I want to focus on little ways I can improve my days. A few of them are:
- Spending more time with friends
- Watching one documentary a month
- Knitting three scarves
- Reading 20 books
- Being more consistent with yoga
- Taking an art class
- Resting more
- Spending less time on social media.
These goals all feel pretty doable to me, and I’m excited to work toward them. If you’re looking to set goals for yourself, set ones that will make you happy and are actually attainable. Change takes time; don’t rush it. Happy New Year!
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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