It’s 2025: What Is Your Plan?
By Francine Gosselin, MSW, RSW
If you’re like me, you might be looking at the calendar and wondering what 2025 will have in store. Many people set new year’s resolutions, but what exactly does this mean? The dictionary defines resolution as “a firm decision to do or not to do something”. As in, deciding purposefully to take action or inaction. With so many habits and potential goals calling for our attention, how are we meant to choose what gets our energy and our time? For many people, this decision can feel overwhelming, and for individuals living with kidney disease or other chronic conditions, the unknown factors related to future treatments, symptoms, and disease progression adds yet another layer to this goal setting process.
This is where Kidney Wellness Coaching can help. As your coach, my job is to help you find clarity on what is most important to you (no “should” goals!). I’ll help you consider what is standing between you and your goal, and I will support you to tap in to your existing strengths and resources to see what is possible. You are the expert of your own life, and I want to help you feel that way. So ask yourself: what is your vision and how you plan to achieve that. If any part of that question feels hard, let’s talk. In the meantime, here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan for 2025:
Don’t over-commit to new habits. Start with one thing, and focus on that. Too much at one time causes overwhelm and makes you more likely to want to give up.
Notice your patterns. Without judging, observe when and how you avoid practicing healthy behaviours. What is happening for you? What comes easy?
One choice at a time. A glass of water instead of soda. A healthier snack choice. Parking further away to get more steps. A phone call to connect with an old friend. Taking a rest when you need it. Let go of the “all or nothing” mindset.
Something is better than nothing. Just do something. Small changes add up over time. Forward is forward.
If it isn’t working, don’t force it. You aren’t doing it ‘wrong’, you’ve just found another way ‘not to do it’ - Collect the data and go from there.
Get support. You are the only one who can commit to making a change in your habits, but you don’t have to do it alone. Enlist friends, family, or professionals to help you with the process.
If you would like to learn more about FREE Kidney Wellness Coaching or would like to sign up for this program, visit Kidney Wellness Coaching. The Kidney Foundation is generously funding up to three sessions for people living with kidney disease and/or their care partners.