The Caring Counselor

My annual tradition is back! I lost track as to how long I have been doing this. It has to be at least six or seven years at this point. I always look forward to this post though. Like I always say when introducing this topic, New Year’s offers the perfect opportunity for reflection and introspection.

Let’s take a look at my 2024 goals and see where I can make some adjustments going into 2025.

2024 Goal #1- Do at least one social activity a week. I’d be lying if I said that I kept a tangible record of my social activities for 2024. What I can say is if I didn’t achieve this, I came pretty damn close. I classify myself as a workaholic, so I desperately needed a work-life balance. I spent time with my family, friends, and even colleagues outside of work. I would say that this goal was achieved.

Updated 2025 Goal #1- Grow my private practice by at least 25%. I am shifting my focus back to my private practice (My 2023 goal #1 was to open my private practice). I like to think that my practice is moving closer and closer to success. It is also nearing the tipping point of making a decent profit. For this to happen, our census must grow. I do not want to share specific finances, but 25% would tip the seesaw in the other direction. Right now, we are 118 clients, so that means 148 total clients by 2026.

2024 Goal #2- Write at least one blog post a week. I did well with this in the first half of the year when my goals were still fresh. I fell off in the second half big time. There was a span where I didn’t post for nearly two months. I did this one before a few years back, but I came up short a every year since.

Updated 2025 Goal #2- Write at least 3 blog posts a month. I am keeping this one but with a twist. Since I keep coming up short, I am giving myself more realistic expectations. I am bringing it down to three times a month to give myself that one week leeway. This way I don’t beat myself up if I miss a week and not feel like I failed. Sometimes you need to adjust your goals to take pressure off of you or to help gain momentum.

2024 Goal #3- Lose at least 20 pounds and keep it off. I finally met one of my weight goals! With the help of a dietician and Ozempic, I lost close to 40 pounds. This one definitely had its ups and downs. However, the overall pattern kept me on track even if I plateaued at times. I didn’t gain weight back once I lost it though, which was HUGE for me.

Updated 2025 Goal #3- Lose another 20 pounds and keep it off. My weight loss journey is not over yet. I need to lose about another 20-30 pounds to be considered “healthy.” My doctors have told me time and time again that I will never be skinny. This I’m fine with. They informed me that I can be a healthy big man though. That’s where I need to go.

Looking forward to next year’s review for 2026!

-The Caring Counselor