Happy new year! Really, I hope it’s a happy one. We all have hopes and dreams and desires for our lives, and the new year is a great time to plan to see those things come to fruition.
Let this be a time of expansion and possibility, not punishment for the “sins” committed in the previous year. This mindset shift is hugely important.
First, dream.
First, dream. What do you want? How do you want to feel? How would you like your life to look?
When goal-setting for the new year, set aside some “you time” to dream and think. As busy women, it’s easy and familiar to cross off tasks on our to-do list. But I want to invite you to slow down, breathe, and brainstorm what you want your life to look like.
Allow yourself this time. Maybe you won’t accomplish everything you write down, but remember that ANY movement toward your goals is forward momentum.
Start by jotting down whatever comes to mind… a great big, long brain dump. For me, I wrote things like this: a list of books I’m drawn to read, a couple bikepacking trips I want to do, local Idaho and surrounding area adventures that sound fun. I want to feel strong and fit and sexy (yes, sexy, even after almost 30 years of marriage). I want healthy and vibrant relationships with God and family and people around me. I want to create new things in my wellness business, and want to grow professionally. I want more fun and joy in my life. I want people around me to feel loved and cared for and important. I wanna work on my dance moves (true).
Notice that at this point I haven’t put any time parameters or specific to-do lists around it. That stuff comes later.
Of course, if we just left it at this, we’d be in the same place next January 1st. Post-brainstorming, it’s time to put practices in place to get you where you want to go. The brainstorming / dreaming is the map. The directions and specifics create a path for getting you there.
Now, let’s do this.
That might look like committing to 10 minutes per day of reading. Maybe it’s getting up a little earlier to spend time reading my Bible and praying before the day gets away from me. Perhaps I do a Google search for “outdoor adventures in Idaho and surrounding areas” and start putting plans in my calendar. Speaking of calendars, I block out time to run, bike, get to the gym. Spend 10 minutes per day thinking about what I want to create in my business, and putting time for that on the calendar, too. Set aside time to intentionally connect with loved ones. Check out dance tutorials on YouTube (there’s some good ones!).
If nothing changes, nothing changes.
Real change requires real change.
Wishing won’t get things done. It takes discipline and determination.
Ask yourself some questions to get un-stuck:
- What do I want?
- Is it realistic?
- What am I doing to get there?
- What are my next steps?
- What obstacles are in my path?
- What distracts me?
- What resources do I need?
- Who can help me?
Get accountability.
One of the best things I’ve done to help me achieve my goals is to put some accountability around them. I’ve posted goals publicly on social media, I’ve shared with friends, and I’ve hired coaches. You need someone in your corner to check in with you, ask questions, cheer for and encourage you.
What about you?
What are your goals for the new year?
If you’d like help in achieving them, contact me, and let’s chat. I love helping women create lives they love.
I wish you all the goodness you can hold in this new year.
