All Psyched Up: Disappointed?

By Dr. Linda Hancock on February 7, 2026.

Well, it is a month since you made those wonderful resolutions and unfortunately, the gym membership is not as motivated as expected, the unwanted pounds haven’t disappeared and perhaps your other goals are still unmet.

Let’s do a little pondering to see what has happened and how to get back on the successful path again:

1. Get real – Are there legitimate reasons why you haven’t done what you promised yourself that you would do? Are you hospitalized or being held prisoner by someone who is threatening your existence? We all have “excuses” that may seem worthy but perhaps you are just trying to avoid facing the fact that you didn’t do what you had planned.

2. Forgive yourself – Just because you didn’t succeed doesn’t mean that you should waste time and energy beating yourself up. Every day is a new day, and every day holds the opportunity to change.

3. Re-examine your goals – Were you serious about doing this for yourself or were you trying to please someone else? Perhaps you just followed the crowd and verbalized what you thought you “should” say. Take a pen and paper (not just a computer or phone) and write down one sentence that states the exact goal and the timeframe to accomplish it.

4. Review them one more time – Get honest with yourself. Do you really want that five-bathroom home on an acreage? (Who will clean all the toilets and cut the grass)?

5. Define steps – Wishing will not make it happen. You need to have a clear and reasonable plan that you can implement over time. Answering 20 French questions a day might make you bilingual but not tomorrow. Effort and timeframe need to align.

6. Find a role model – I never take financial advice from someone who is poor! Look for a person or group who has already accomplished the goal you desire. They know how to get there and will likely share tips with you.

7. Motivate yourself – Lying on the couch watching animal YouTube videos will steal your time. Instead, read inspiring books and write some positive affirmations that are strategically placed where you will read them. Even better, paste photos of your dreams in places where they will remind you of rewards for efforts.

8. Let go of what doesn’t serve you – Downsize your environment. Determine when and where you will invest your time. Focus on the things that will move you forward and let go of those that hold you back – paper, extra expenses and even negative relationships.

9. Think consequences – Success has a price. Can you afford a new wardrobe when your clothes don’t fit because they are too big? How much will it cost for a summer’s worth of gas in that big boat? Will your friends or family criticize and lose respect if you do something that you really want to do even if it doesn’t fit their expectations?

10. Celebrate you – Whether we like to hear this or not, we are the only ones who can actually make the changes necessary to improve our lives. Others can teach, inspire or support us but we are truly the captains of our own ships.

Sail on with safety, joy and balance to the beautiful destinations ahead of you! Your choice. Your result.

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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