The New Year brings a time of reflection and goal setting, a process often laden with unique challenges for those of us navigating life with ADHD. While setting goals might come easy, the journey to achieving them can be a labyrinth of forgotten intentions and fluctuating motivations.

My Personal Struggle with Goal Consistency I’ve always found myself adept at dreaming big – visualizing a life with less stress, financial stability, and overall wellbeing. However, the challenge I continually face is breaking down these aspirations into achievable steps and maintaining the consistency needed to see them through. Like many with ADHD, I often find myself losing sight of my goals amidst the chaos of daily life.

Redefining Goals: The Power of Feelings A transformative approach that has worked for me is setting goals based on desired feelings rather than specific outcomes. Instead of vague ambitions like losing weight or making more friends, I focus on how I want to feel: energized at work, connected to a community, or valued for my contributions. This emotional-centric method offers a clearer path towards true fulfillment.

The ‘Word of the Year’ Approach Another strategy I’ve embraced is choosing a ‘Word of the Year.’ For 2024, my word is ‘slow.’ It’s a reminder to embrace a gentler pace, to prioritize self-care and meaningful connections. This word serves as a compass throughout the year, guiding my decisions and keeping me aligned with my core values.

Embracing Change: The Fluidity of Goals One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability in goal setting. I’ve realized that life is full of unexpected twists, and my interests and goals evolve with each new experience. What started as a simple goal of becoming a successful coach has transformed into a journey of self-discovery and constant learning, leading me down paths I never anticipated, like starting a YouTube channel.

The Importance of Support Seeking support has been crucial in my journey. It’s easy to feel isolated in our struggles, but reaching out for guidance can unlock barriers we didn’t even know existed. Whether through coaching, therapy, or community support, external perspectives can provide the clarity and direction we need to move forward.

Conclusion Goal setting with ADHD isn’t about rigid plans but about understanding and harnessing our unique ways of thinking and feeling. As we step into the New Year, let’s embrace our individuality, seek support when needed, and remember that our goals can be as dynamic as we are.