09/01/2026
Welcome! It’s 2026! Happy New Year!
I’m sure that many of you are chasing resolutions - I wish you all the best with them. Some will definitely be racing off under a full head of steam, however, it is very possible some are not, perhaps even already discarded.
There are definitely many reasons, within our control and beyond it. Maybe family issues or injury have already intervened? Perhaps the motivation to start hasn’t yet manifested? Timing even - there are just too many treats lurking in the cupboard! Shame not to finish them!
This post is not designed to morph into a self-help or coaching session - but just to observe - we are all human!
For me the trick has always been in trying to set manageable goals. As I have often said to my kids, ‘You can’t eat the whole elephant in one go!’ Often tackling smaller portions is more realistic.
I’ve always found New Year’s Resolutions a bit scary - what to choose? Will people think I’m odd/unambitious/crazy/etc? But I’ve learnt to go with ‘my flow’ a little over the years (or perhaps that’s just an age thing?).
I now give myself time and space to ‘mould’ the more ideal and sustainable from the raw statement in the moment. I’ve taught myself not to perceive the unachievable as failure, but as an opportunity to assess, reframe, support.
So as a physiotherapist, where’s the relevance in this little reflection? What is the message?
Of course motivation is a big topic and differs for everyone - I’d bore the pants off you if I tried to address it here, so lets assume that is not your issue. Injury, and thus recovery and rehabilitation are more my zone.
If your goals have been thwarted by injury, it’s frustrating, even depressing. The imposed halt to progress and/or achievement can make the world seem a dark place. So how can I help?
It’s hard to see the positive side of injury, but it can be an opportunity - if we change the lens. But how?
Assess - why did it happen and what is in my power to change?
Reframe - how can I maximise my ‘down time’ to allow me to return stronger and more resilient?
Support - what practices should I try to benefit both my recovery and sustainability going forward?
Please let me know if I can help.
