“We need to reflect and check in with ourselves more regularly,” says Dr Birah. “Even if it’s week to week or month to month, checking that you’re living your life in line with your values will help direct your focus. But rather than thinking ‘This is where I have to be by next week’, it’s more of a reflective practice of thinking about where you are now and what the path is in terms of the journey.”

That may sound wishy-washy and reflection can feel “scary”, admits Dr Birah. But make it more positive by asking what’s gone well for you, what you’ve learned from things that haven’t gone well and thinking about what things you’re going to do for yourself that are in line with your values.

For example, if you’re really creative, then think about the times you felt creatively fulfilled, whether it was doing a painting class with a friend or working on a specific project at work. Then think about when you haven’t felt so creative. Could you have done something to make it more enjoyable or is there a way you can structure that task to make it more enjoyable in future? Then work out what you’re going to do in the following week or at the weekend that allows you to indulge that creative part of yourself.

Essentially, this practice is about making sure that you are working on the things that you want to achieve. So often people get bogged down by what they need to do or think they should be doing that they forget to prioritise the things they care about.

How to stick to your new year’s resolutions in 2024