Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
June marks the halfway point of the year, when many people find themselves pausing to reflect on the goals they set back in January - measuring progress, reassessing priorities and, in some cases, confronting feelings of self-doubt.
According to Dr Bino Mary Chacko, Specialist Psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital Abu Dhabi, the middle of the year acts as a natural psychological checkpoint.
"By June, many people begin comparing where they expected to be at the start of the year with where they actually are today," she explained.
"This can bring a mix of emotions, including satisfaction and pride at what has been achieved, but also disappointment if progress has not matched expectations."
At the start of a new year, people often feel energised by what psychologists call the "fresh start effect" - the sense that a new chapter makes positive change feel easier and more achievable. But as the months go by, everyday responsibilities, unexpected events and shifting priorities can make those ambitions harder to attain.
Dr Chacko said this can lead to what psychologists refer to as self-discrepancy - the gap between a person's current reality and the version of themselves they hoped to become.
"When that gap feels large, it can lead to feelings of self-doubt, guilt or frustration," she said. "By mid-year, progress is more visible and measurable, making these comparisons feel more personal and emotionally significant."
She added that stress and fatigue can also distort how people view their progress. "Sometimes the feeling of 'not doing enough' stems more from exhaustion than from a lack of achievement," she noted.
Still, experts say this period of reflection does not have to be negative. In fact, when approached constructively, it can be a valuable opportunity for growth.
"Mid-year reflection can help people recognise accomplishments they may have overlooked, identify where adjustments are needed and gain a clearer understanding of their priorities," Dr Chacko said.
"Rather than focusing solely on what has not been achieved, reflection can help people appreciate how far they have come and create a more realistic path forward."
Mid-year Reset
For Shaikha Al Mahri, the month serves as a useful checkpoint rather than a source of pressure.
"June is a crucial moment to stop and think about the goals I made at the beginning of the year," she said. "It's like a halfway point. I use this time to see what I've accomplished so far and make any necessary changes to my plans, so I can stay focused on reaching my goals by the end of the year."
She sees summer in particular as a period for personal growth - a time to reflect on what matters most, whether that means improving health, learning something new or planning for the future.
"I don't think mid-year pressure gets to me or makes me doubt myself," she said. "To me, it's more like a reminder to check how I'm doing and stay on track with what I want to achieve."
When progress feels slower than expected, Al Mahri said she regains momentum by breaking larger ambitions into smaller steps.
"I re-evaluate my priorities, and then I break down my big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks," she said. "Instead of worrying about what I haven't done yet, I focus on what I can realistically accomplish next."
Leen Jameel shared a similar outlook, viewing June as a valuable moment to pause and refocus.
"I view June as a perfect mid-year checkpoint to review and recalibrate," she said. "It's a great opportunity to celebrate what's working, realistically adjust what isn't, and step into the second half of the year with renewed energy and focus."
Jameel said the first half of the year brought both progress and challenges, but those experiences have helped shape new goals and strengthened her determination.
"When I feel I'm falling behind, breaking big goals into smaller, manageable daily tasks is what keeps me grounded," she said. "I focus on adjusting my schedule with realistic deadlines and reconnecting with my 'why' - the core purpose of the goal."
For Dr Chacko, this kind of flexibility is key. She stresses that a mid-year reset should not be seen as a sign of failure, but as a healthy response to changing realities.
"A successful mid-year reset begins with accepting the current situation without judgment," she said. "Goals may need to be adjusted to reflect current realities, and that is perfectly reasonable. Flexibility is often a sign of resilience, not failure."
She encouraged people to practise self-compassion, review achievements objectively and focus on small, meaningful actions rather than dramatic changes. "Growth is rarely linear," she said.
"Progress often involves setbacks, detours and periods of slower movement. Approaching the second half of the year with realistic expectations, self-compassion and a focus on consistent effort can help maintain motivation and support long-term wellbeing."
