Breaking boundaries: Starting the New Year right!

As the new year begins, many of us reflect on the past 12 months and look forward to what lies ahead. This time of year is filled with resolutions—ambitions, dreams, and goals that push us to step outside our comfort zones. As two doctors who have embarked on launching our own movie production company, we can tell you this journey isn't just about filmmaking; it's about following passions, overcoming limitations, and creating a life filled with purpose.

Setting an intention for the new year can be empowering. However, achieving those goals requires courage, resilience, and a supportive community. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips to help you set and realize your goals this year, no matter what they might be.

Embrace the Power of Goals

The first step in making your dreams a reality is to establish clear, actionable goals. Using the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help. For instance, when we decided to pursue filmmaking, our goal wasn't just to make movies; we wanted to tell stories that inspire.

Take a moment to define what success means to you. Are you looking to change careers? Travel to at least three new countries this year? Or perhaps you want to strengthen your relationships? Write it down to keep yourself accountable.

Setting clear goals is not just about wishing for what you want; it is about visualizing your future and taking steps to get there.

Foster a Positive Mindset

Negativity often stands in the way of reaching our goals. It's easy to let the doubts of others affect your thinking, especially when pursuing an unconventional path, like balancing a career in medicine with filmmaking.

We've faced skepticism from some of our colleagues about our pursuits. However, we chose not to let doubtful voices derail us. Surround yourself with positive influences—people who uplift you and encourage your growth. Starting the year with daily affirmations or guided meditation can set a positive tone. For example, research shows that practicing gratitude can improve mental well-being by up to 25%.

By cultivating a positive mindset, you become more resilient and better equipped to face challenges.

Find Your Tribe

Achieving significant goals often requires a strong support system. As we dove into the movie industry, we discovered that collaboration with like-minded individuals was vital for our success.

Seek out communities related to your passions. Attend workshops, join clubs, or engage in local events. You can also connect with others through online forums or social media groups that focus on your interests.

Finding your tribe not only provides encouragement during tough times, but also opens up opportunities for collaboration and learning.

Break Goals into Manageable Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming if tackled all at once. Breaking them into smaller, actionable steps creates a clear path to success.

For instance, when we started our first film, we focused on smaller milestones like script writing, casting, and fundraising, rather than the end product. This approach made the journey feel less daunting. In fact, setting achievable weekly or monthly objectives can lead to 85% more success in reaching larger goals according to studies.

Every small win fuels motivation to keep going. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.

Stay Flexible and Adaptable

Life is full of surprises, and staying flexible in your pursuits is crucial. As doctors, we've learned to expect the unexpected. When challenges arose during our production, we had to change our plans and expectations on multiple occasions.

As you enter this new year, keep an open mind. If you encounter setbacks, like a missed deadline or unforeseen challenge, try to view these obstacles as opportunities to learn and adjust. This adaptability can lead to innovative solutions and stronger outcomes.

Prioritize Self-Care

When chasing ambitious goals, self-care often takes a back seat. Yet, prioritizing your mental and physical health is critical for long-term success.

Balancing our roles as doctors, filmmakers, and spouses has taught us the importance of downtime. Schedule time to relax or engage in activities that bring you joy, like a favorite hobby or exercise. Make sure to connect with loved ones; studies show that social interactions can significantly improve happiness levels.

Nurturing yourself helps to maintain motivation and focus as you strive to achieve your dreams.

A New Year Awaits

With the arrival of the new year, you have an opportunity to break through barriers and pursue your dreams. Remember that setting goals isn't just about dreaming; it's about creating a clear path and having the determination to follow that path.

Surround yourself with positivity, find supportive communities, break your goals into smaller steps, and stay open to changes. By doing so, you will be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way.

Let this year be a testament to your courage and commitment. Whether you plan to advance your career, write a novel, or dive into a new hobby, embrace this journey with enthusiasm. As we chase our passions in filmmaking, we encourage you to take that leap of faith.

Here's to a year filled with excitement, growth, and success. Let's make this year our best yet!