Weekly Prompt #15: Are there any small goals you can set for yourself?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How do you practice self-compassion on a daily basis? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: Are there any small goals you can set for yourself?
Setting achievable goals can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Start with small steps and gradually work your way towards bigger aspirations. I wanted to start a discussion on how goals can help us cope with our depression. I look forward to hearing and discussing with you all!
Join us in the 24/7 Depression Support Group Chat!
@ASilentObserver
I've heard somewhere a therapist asking the group: what could make your day worse?
And this is the question I ask myself to convince me to do basic survival tasks when I feel down. I start with imagining the consequences of not doing some things. So, not awards but consequences drive me to move through the day.
I'm not good at making goals, I disappointed myself many times. But I am not giving up completely. I'm trying to read every day for 10 minutes at least. And do the online course about personal finance. Oh, and my most important goal now is to not beat myself up for not coming up to the expectations. 🥲
@Buzzingbeezon It sounds like you are going through a difficult time and putting pressure on yourself. Imagining consequences can be a way to motivate, though it's understandable to feel disappointment in yourself at times. You also seem dedicated to your goals of reading daily and your online course, which shows strength and perseverance. What feelings come up for you when you push yourself in this way?
@ASilentObserver
Well, it does feels good when I manage to make even a small step sometimes. When I manage drown out my doubts about the quality of my work, or meaning, and convince myself that the most important thing is that I did something.
For now I don't know any different than pushing myself. Occasionally it makes me feel alright.
Btw, Thank you for your constant feedback and support. I truly appreciate it. 🌹
@Buzzingbeezon Thank you for sharing more, buzz. It sounds like taking small steps and focusing on accomplishing something, even if small, helps provide a sense of satisfaction at times. I'm glad to hear that my feedback has been supportive. We are all here for you. You are not alone in this. Keep sharing.
@ASilentObserver I'm quite good at giving myself goals. Sometimes there's too many of them and I feel overwhelmed. I'm a perfectionalist and I like to finish all tasks before resting but I get quite tired after that so I always try to tell myself it's not important to finish it all.
I'm thinking about how goals can make you fight the depression. In the better days it's a good distraction from what's happening in my head - to finish important tasks in work, to go somewhere outside with the kids, to plan vacation, to draw...
In the down days I have problems focusing on the simplest things. Like today morning, I was doing my coffee for two hours. My work needs a lot of creative thinking so I can't do it right now. That's why I try to set simpler goals for myself, like cleaning up the house, take care of the kids. It creates a distraction and I'm more satisfied with myself that I managed to do at least some small things.
Lately I learned one new positive skill from one of the child psychologist I follow on ***, mainly for moms that tend to overwork with the kids and get too tired from everything. Instead of telling myself "I must do this and that today" I'm telling myself "I can do this and that today". The result is basically the same but it takes away the pressure I was putting on myself.
@mish3l Good to seee you! It sounds like finding the right balance can be challenging at times. Simply being present with your children or enjoying small acts of creativity, even if briefly, may help provide moments of relief and joy. You are dedicated to caring for yourself and your family in a compassionate way. What kinds of small things do you find most satisfying or energizing on down days?
A good question, I don't even know I guess. I love coffee but that's not a goal :)
Are there any small goals you can set for yourself?
Yes, I can try writing another draft of my latest story, and I can try to complete a first draft of another story.
@WharfRat How are you doing? Wharf! It sounds like writing more stories is something you're considering to help you move forward. You seem motivated to keep developing your creative talents. What feelings come up for you as you think about completing these drafts?
@ASilentObserver
I can sometimes see how I'm making the story better and I'm making progress with it.
Keep the ideas coming no matter how much I doubt it would work ☺️
@GoldenRuleJG It sounds like keeping your ideas flowing is important to you, even when doubts creep in. You seem determined to continue exploring possibilities. What helps you work through those doubting thoughts to keep your creativity going?
@ASilentObserver maybe sometimes o question my ability or sometimes I feel am I expressing what I want truly …
How i get through this is getting encouraging feedback and rest
@Saly33 It sounds like maintaining goals over time can be challenging. What matters most is that you continue striving towards success in a way that feels right for you. You seem determined to keep learning through experience. What typically inspires your passion provide insight on how to sustain it longer term?
@ASilentObserver
What inspires my passion changes according to the place and the people who are with me...but I started applying small steps a week ago and set goals that I love for the next month. I asked my mother, if I did not complete the daily tasks, to take the drawing tools and hide them. This thing makes me crazy🤣🤣, but I agreed with her and I will not back down so that I can tame myself. ..I would like this plan to succeed✌✌
@Saly33 Hi Saly, thank you for sharing. It sounds like you've found inspiration through connecting with different places and people, and have recently started taking steps to set goals that bring you joy. Exploring what motivates us can be an ongoing journey. You seem determined in your approach, while also open to learning through experience. Keep taking one step at a time and sharing with us. Thank you for being here with us.
i have set a new goal: to get my license before 2023 is over. To do this, I am studying the drivers manual every day and practicing my skills by driving every morning while the roads are not as busy.
Guys, Wish me luck. I have driving anxiety real bad and I always get so anxious every time i get into the car. My lesson last week ended so horribly as the driving instructor insulted my intelligence and implied i was stupid then tried to scam me into spending an extra $400, I called the driving school and complained and I'm getting a refund. I'm insure if I even want to find a new driving school at this point. If I do, I'll do a single lesson and take it from there
@BrokenAngelxx I understand this experience has left you feeling anxious, Angel. It's hurtful to be treated without respect. You're working hard toward your goal by studying and practicing regularly. That shows dedication despite facing challenges. How are you doing with managing your anxiety in general?
@ASilentObserver
i try to journal every morning and not worry so much about things I can't control. Getting out for a walk helps too
I’m not good at completing goals but my small goal it’s to change that🥰
@Gabrielamtineo It sounds like completing goals is something you want to work on. You believe in yourself that you can make even small steps to achieve what matters. We are all rooting for you and here with you. One step at a time!
