If you had a rough start to keeping up with your new year's resolutions, fret not, because you still have a second chance to recommit to them as the Lunar New Year comes upon us. This year it is February 1st, 2022.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a different day each year based on the phases of the moon and it can fall anywhere between January 21st to February 22nd. This holiday is celebrated in most East Asian countries and it is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.
The week-long celebration is a time when families come together to eat and welcome prosperity and auspiciousness into the new year. In order to bring in the good luck for the new year there are a lot of traditions to symbolically get rid of the bad luck that has accumulated in the past year. One tradition is deep cleaning the house to “sweep away” the bad luck and to decorate the house in the color red with lanterns and posters. Red is a lucky color in China especially, as it symbolizes prosperity. Even the food eaten during this time is considered “lucky” from mandarin oranges to dumplings to spring rolls. Each represents a positive desired quality for the new year.
You may have heard that 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, but what does that mean exactly? The Chinese zodiac is based on an ancient myth where the emperor hosted a race that every animal competed in and the first 12 were commemorated with a year in the zodiac. The order in which the animals placed is the position they fall in the zodiac, with the rat coming in first and the pig placing last. People born in the year of the tiger are said to be kind and versatile. However, it is said that if it is your zodiac year then it is bad luck, but the bad luck can be avoided by performing good luck rituals.
Second Chance New Year's Resolutions
Going back to New Year’s Resolutions, no matter when you celebrate the new year it is often a time for setting new goals and reflecting back on the past year.
2021 was a rough one for a lot of people, no doubt, with the pandemic raging on along with general uncertainty for the future. There were high points along with low points as with every year, but the amount of uncertainty with the pandemic and constant changes for a second year in a row, the tiredness we all experience may feel extra heavy as we have been carrying it for so long.
You definitely aren’t alone. We all feel it. At times it feels impossible not to, with so many things that feel overwhelming. It is hard to start new things or try to change habits for the better especially if you are feeling down and unmotivated. Setting goals is a good way to initiate change in your life, however, the type of goal you set can affect how likely you are to achieve it.
Let’s talk about SMART goals.
Each letter stands for a different characteristic of a goal to make it easier to achieve.
S-Specific-narrow the focus of the goal so it is not too big and overwhelming
M-Measurable-having a clear measure of progress/how will you know you have achieved your goal
A-Attainable-the goal should feel within reach and being able to account for the obstacles that may get in the way of achieving your goal can make it easier to overcome them when they occur
R-Relevant- asking yourself why this goal is important to you and if accomplishing it will benefit you in the long run
T-Timely-setting boundaries for time in which you would want to achieve your goal helps keep you motivated and has an end date
These are just some tips to help you achieve your New Years’ Resolutions and any other goals you set the rest of the year.
The animals in the Chinese zodiac all won their place using their own strengths and none of their methods of crossing the finish line were the same. Just like those animals, each one of us has unique capabilities and there is not one correct way to accomplish a goal, you just have to figure out which way works best for you.
If you think you need help with that or if you just need extra support going into the new year, give us a call and we will be happy to set you up with a therapist who will help you achieve your goals!
What's Next?
Ready to take your next step? Request an Appointment with a Mindsight counselor.
What online counseling options do I have? There are lots of great telehealth treatment options and lots of incredible therapists to choose from. Check it out!
What is Mindsight Behavioral Group all about? Mindsight has locations throughout Kentucky and they are dedicated to making sure their clients are cared for. Learn more here!
What if I own a mental health group practice and need extra support and resources during this time? We have just the thing! Kasey Compton, CEO of Mindsight Behavioral Group, is incredibly passionate about helping other practices succeed! Check out KC Consulting!
Looking for a supportive community for group practice owners, check out Mindsight Partners.
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