Alia Osseiran, D.M.D., is an alternate delegate for the ADA House of Delegates’ 17th District and her local West Coast District Dental Association in Florida. She recently purchased her first practice and has her 200-hour yoga teacher certification. When not at work, she can be found exploring the wild or teaching health education to children through her nonprofit.
As January comes to a close, it is that time again. Will your New Year’s resolutions become habits? Before I share some of my favorite ways to dig in, it is worth taking a moment to assess whether a particular goal is truly worth your time.
Letting go
Many cultures view January as a time to clean house. This is your chance to declutter your goals and make space for what truly excites you. I ask myself: Do my current goals align with my values and aspirations? Is this goal achievable with my current resources and time frame?
Often, my first draft of a goal is too grand to achieve within the allotted time without compromising my well-being. If it cuts into my sleep, it needs to be reassessed. In addition to the health effects, less sleep means less empathy for my family, my team and my patients. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Some goals need to be tailored to fit better into my life, and some simply do not fit. Take some time to reflect. If it no longer serves you, let it go.
Micro goals
Let’s face it: Becoming a world-renowned dental expert can feel as daunting as pulling a tooth from an alligator. Instead, I focus on micro goals. Break down your big dreams into tiny, achievable steps.
Want to master the latest dental technology? Consider committing just 10 minutes a day to reading up on it. These smaller steps will accumulate, and before you know it, you will be a tech-savvy guru impressing your colleagues. Bite-sized steps are more likely to lead to new habits.
‘Accountabuddies’
Every superhero needs a sidekick, and so do you! To reenergize your resolutions, find friends or colleagues who can hold you accountable for your resolutions. Share your progress and snafus often.
I choose my buddies based on their interests. For example, I ask an avid reader to help keep me on a two-books-a-month schedule. When you have someone rooting for you, even the most mundane tasks become a little less challenging.
Celebrate your wins — big and small
Each step forward deserves a party, or at least a well-deserved high-five. Did you successfully make it to the gym five days this week? Celebrate! Finished a tricky case that seemed daunting? Treat yourself to a fancy coffee! Whether it is a small milestone or a significant achievement, acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated. After all, the journey to becoming a remarkable dentist does not only lie in the big victories. It is also the little victories that pave the way.
As you dive into this new year, embrace the process of growth, connect with others and dare to laugh at the hurdles along the way. Crowning yourself the best version of you, one micro goal at a time, will certainly lead to an interesting 2026. Cheers to a year filled with humor, learning and plenty of reasons to celebrate!
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