As a neurodivergent Millennial and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the pursuit of personal well-being has taken center stage in my life this year. With a focus on self-care and health as my guiding principles, I set out on a journey that, true to my profession, initially revolved around data collection and meticulous planning. However, as I navigate this path, I am learning the invaluable lesson of not getting too caught up on a rigid plan in order to reach my goals.
I’d envisioned a meticulously organized approach to self-improvement, one that involved taking detailed data on my progress to ensure accountability and track my success. Yet, as time passed, I realized that I had not taken any data in over a month. The print-outs I had created to showcase my work and potentially sell them remained untouched, trapped in a limbo of inaction due to my failure to adhere to my original plan.
Despite this setback, I’ve come to understand the importance of looking beyond the minutiae of a preconceived plan and focusing on the wins, the bigger picture, and the overarching goals that set me up for success. In embracing a more flexible mindset, I have pivoted towards a more holistic approach to my well-being, one that prioritizes progress over perfection.
Central to this revised approach is my commitment to nurturing my overall health through a series of deliberate steps and lifestyle changes. While taking data remains a central tenet of my professional life, I have acknowledged the need to adapt and adjust my strategies in the realm of personal growth and self-care. By shifting my perspective away from an all-or-nothing mentality, I am gradually witnessing positive transformations unfold.
My current journey towards improved health encompasses various facets, including tracking my daily mood as part of a broader goal to have more good days than bad. This shift in focus has been accompanied by tangible actions such as consistent gym visits, abstaining from drinking, embracing home-cooked meals over dining out, opting for healthier alternatives like dark chocolate, and proactively seeking preventive care by finding a doctor in Toronto.
Through these deliberate choices and mindful practices, I am not only investing in my physical well-being but also nurturing my mental and emotional health. By recognizing the importance of flexibility, resilience, and progress in my journey towards self-improvement, I am cultivating a path that prioritizes self-compassion, growth, and sustainable change.
As I continue to navigate the complexities of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, I draw strength from the understanding that perfection is not the goal; rather, it is the journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience that holds true value. In embracing a mindset of flexibility and progress, I am laying the foundation for a future defined by holistic health, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to prioritizing my well-being above all else.