New Year, Neurodivergence: New Year's Resolutions and Autism

Happy New Year!! So hopefully, if you are reading this, you have survived another year. This is no small feat, given the world we live in today. With COVID still looming over our heads, political upheaval, and the price of gas approaching that of gold, being able to take time and reflect is fantastic. With the new year fast approaching, I thought I would take a minute and talk about the tradition of new year's resolutions.

Given the nature of Autism, sometimes taking time and writing out resolutions for the new year can cause anxiety or seem pointless. With some context, resolutions can give clarity to the new year and help drive us to outstanding achievements. Here are a few things to think about when making a game plan for the new year.

Build on Past Successes

What is something that you have done very well over the last year that you can build on? Maybe you have gotten the hang of online studies or started a new hobby. Building on strengths is an excellent way of creating mastery.

Identify Struggles

What is something that was a genuine struggle for you last year? It may be something that has always been a struggle or a new situation. Writing it down can create clarity. Then start with a simple Google search with those keywords. You go down the rabbit hole, and you would be amazed by what can change with some practice.

Small Steps Matter

Remember the 1% rule. Whatever your goals may be, and 1% may not seem like very much of a change at all, but 1% over 365 days can be life-changing.

Be Productive in Helping

Consider having at least one of your resolutions help someone else with something. At times, we may procrastinate when it's something for ourselves, but we may find new motivation when we step up for others.

Don't Get Paralyzed by Perfection

Perfection does not exist. Perfection or the idea of having to do something perfect leads many people to an all-or-nothing conclusion. Allow for the opportunity to learn from a mistake.

The length of your list is far less important than the quality of the content. Make your resolutions something that you can carry around with you. Look at them in the morning or at bedtime. Make it a part of your development and step up to the challenge.

At Mind Works Counseling Services in Lubbock, TX, we specialize in working with adults and adolescents on the Autism spectrum and we are available to help in any way that we can to help you reach the goals you have set forth for the New Year!

Learn more about the Autism Counseling services we offer.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or to let us answer any questions you may have.