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How to Achieve your Goals When you have Depression


Every time a dark period comes over me it always starts the same. Things just seem to feel more bland. Personal interactions become taxing and I convince myself that there really isn't much point to anything because I'll always feel this way. Depression convinces me that I'll always feel lost, distant, sad. I'll never be happy because I'll never hit that golden target that will make life worthwhile.

Like I mentioned last week in my post about Dealing with Burnout and Getting Back on Track when I feel hopeless is when I start my self sabotage. However, depression goes to a new level that feeling burnt out doesn't reach. Depression convinces you that your goals are pointless because you're worthless. It robs you of your optimism and confidence because what could you possibly be happy about. Depression tells you that you're always going to be a failure and that you're exactly the way your mother/father/sibling/family member/friend/co-worker makes you feel.

I'm thankful that my depressive episodes are often followed by a period of positivity and mindfulness. It was during this period that I started to plan for my next dark time. As always, I made a list.

The List

The things I get depressed about focus on my decisions in the past and how they'll impact my future:

  • I should have studied X so I could be Y.
  • If I had stayed at X company I would have been in Y position by now.
  • If I had continued to go to the gym and diet I could fit into a size X instead of being a size Y.
  • If I had kept up with my writing I would be an author by now.

When 2020 was fast approaching I decided to make a list of all the things I wish I had done as if I was a bright eyed 18 year old with my whole life ahead of me.

With 52 weeks to move closer to my dreams I determined how often I would have to work on my dream in order to have something to show for it at the end of the year.

I popped all that information into an excel spreadsheet and each time  I work towards my goal I mark it down on a calendar. You can do this in a bujo or even a regular notebook.



What does this have to do with depression?

I often personify my depression because while I understand it's a result of my abusive childhood, I like to believe it's also my arch nemesis. Depression wants me to fail. Depression wants me to wallow. Depression wants me to become angry and bitter at the world. Not today Satan.

When you're in the midst of your depression and everything feels pointless - work down the list. You don't have to do a lot, just do something. Achieve something, even if it's just thinking of your next steps. What you do doesn't have to be perfect. Combat the negative thoughts depression is throwing your way with action.

I really hope this post works for you and please let me know down below how you go! Also be sure to connect with me on Instagram @breathe.syd !

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