To our Advance LA Community,

We love the fall because it’s not too hot and it’s not too cold – it’s just right. Fall is when you can enjoy both an ice cream cone and a pumpkin spice latte on the same day. Fall air is light and crisp, carrying a scent of tree bark and leaves. Fall is a time when the lively pace of summer slows to a comfortable rhythm, allowing us to catch our breath.

In this month’s blogpost, we focus on staying true to the goals we have previously set. Our motivation can sometimes wane when the novelty of setting a goal wears off, so we offer strategies for staying the course.

Advance LA’s mission is to help our clients advance to independent adulthood. We provide virtual classes and club l.a. events that can provide an avenue for remote social engagement. Our Life Skills Coaches are able to meet with their clients remotely, or safely socially distance in person, to provide coaching in the areas of academics, social and emotional well being, executive functioning challenges and vocational education and support.

Please contact us at advancela@thehelpgroup.org for more information.

Wishing you all the best,
Jeri Rochman, JD, MS
Program Coordinator
Advance LA

The reality is that the thrill of something new eventually wears off. This is to be expected as just part of life. The loss of the initial thrill can be about big life events such as a new romantic relationship, a new job, or new college classes as well as the little things in life such as a new iPhone or new pair of sneakers. The day will always arrive when the novelty of something new wears off and it is just taken for granted. But can you get that feeling of excitement back? Well, maybe you can’t replicate that initial “zing” of excitement, but you can regain the positive feelings with some intention and effort. The novelty can be replaced with commitment to the cause.

This principle can be applied to the setting of a goal. It can feel exciting to set a goal and to feel initially really inspired to take the small, necessary steps to achieve the goal. When something is new and exciting, your brain gets hit with a temporary zap of dopamine. It feels good and rewards your brain. At first, it feels great to complete the small tasks and work toward your goal. But after the buzzing excitement wears off, a choice must be made: continue to commit or chase that instant gratification hormone hit.