Yes, it’s the New Year…and yes, it’s time for resolutions if you do them (I don’t).

For me, the New Year isn’t a time of resolutions, it’s a time of reflection. What did I accomplish? What did I not accomplish? Which direction am I heading?

It’s also the time to consider potential changes and act on them. Not in a resolution sort of way…but in a goal setting sort of way. There is a reason we set goals for our students and patients. It’s so that we can see those little incremental measurements that occur that signal (hopefully) positive change.

Have you set a goal for what you want?

Have you seriously sat down and considered what you want to be doing 10 years from now? If so, do you see yourself at the same job doing the same thing or do you see something different?

I know in previous posts and on many different social networking sites, I hear of SLPs who are seriously unhappy with their positions. NOW is the time to reflect, look at what you want to be doing in 5-10 years (heck next year!)…and make the task analysis to determine what you’re going to have to do to make that goal happen.

This post gives some good help for figuring out how to set personal goals. 

And this is another one…

I challenge each of you to create a goal and figure out what you need to do to accomplish it…and then take a step toward it.

It doesn’t have to be a huge goal…It could be as simple as saving an extra $10/month toward retirement…But I’d love to see some introspection goals that will better the situation in the LONG term. Here are some ideas…

• Join your state association
• Volunteer at the state association
• Be a union rep
• Take a class
• Get your PhD
• ADVOCATE for yourself and fellow SLPs
• If you’re unhappy, look for a different job
• Mentor a new SLP (Step Mentoring is great!)
• Present at a local conference
• Present at ASHA
• Be more active creating a positive social network (join the #SLPeeps on twitter)
• Hug your students every day
• Hug a co-worker (but only in that safe non-creeper kind of way)

 

There are so many things we can ALL do to make things better for each other.

But the absolutely MOST important thing to remember is we must be the change we want to see… To expect things to change if we keep doing the same thing is ridiculous…it won’t happen…and just like our kids/patients, if we don’t try – put forth the work, the effort – no amount of prodding will make the goal be met. Only we can do that.

My goal is to accept change easier…to get out of my comfort zone and stretch myself emotionally, mentally, and most definitely professionally. I have taken steps to start with that already. While I don’t know what the next year will hold, I do know it won’t be boring!

So…I’d love to hear your thoughts. Can you create a long term goal – something to take baby steps toward accomplishing? After all, a PhD BEGINS with just one class…becoming a mentor BEGINS with an email…and presenting at a conference BEGINS with an idea…a mere thought. Just..do something…Just BEGIN the process. Let momentum help carry you to the wonderful heights that are available to each of us.

Drop me a note here and let me know your thoughts. I would love to encourage you in your goal.

Until then…Adventure on!