Well, here we are again…Mid-December with another year coming to an end and a new chapter beginning.
While we are all squeezing in those last moments of the holiday season with friends and family, we are all having similar conversations as well. It’s usually a catch up on past months events in our lives, mingled with new aspirations we have for the next 12 months.
Goals. Resolutions. Plans. Dreams. Whatever you choose to call it, we are all imagining some kind of change in our current existence, that we will bring about over the new year.
Self Development & Growth
I personally see New Year’s as a much bigger opportunity than just merely vowing to finally accomplish a goal I’ve been meaning to achieve.
I see it as an opportunity to reflect on the last year and learn from it. It’s a time to reassess, and determine if my core values and long term goals remain the same as they did a year ago.
Let’s face it. A lot can happen in a year’s time, and our perspective may have changed in response to the events that have occurred in those months.
This is also that time of year that I evaluate my habits, good and bad, old and new. I evaluate how those habits have helped or hurt my ability to reach certain goals. I can then, see what I need to change so I am on a better path to achieving those goals in the new year.
After a full year review and a bit of self reflection, I am better able to adopt a new strategy that will make me more successful in sticking to any “resolutions” or commitments I make to myself this New Year’s Eve.
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Reflecting On The Past Year
As the year wraps up, it’s only natural to take a step back and think about all the things we’ve encountered or been through in the least 12 months. Of course, we also take note of how many of last year’s goals we were or were not able to accomplish.
Self reflection is essential for personal growth. From handling the challenges of parenthood, to trying your hand at a new recipe, every experience is a lesson learned and helps shape who we are and how we tackle things moving forward.
In reflecting on the past year, we are able to see what worked and what didn’t, and what achievements we can build on from here.
We can then make changes to our mindset and start fresh with new goals and habits. Whether it be personal, professional, emotional, or spiritual, it’s a time to learn and look ahead to the new year.
This kind of reflection tends to lead us to more substantial results when it comes to the positive changes we set out to make.
Change can be tough, simply because it takes us out of our comfort zones. But looking back on the past year also lets us see how far we’ve come, and decide what we want to bring with us into whatever comes next.
Check out this article, “20 Ways To Reset, Reflect, And Refresh For The New Year”, for common questions to ask yourself as you begin your self reflection journey.
Setting Your Intentions
Once you have done a thorough deep dive into the past year’s events, and have a clearer picture of what you want the new year to look like, you are better prepared for a mental reset.
A simple clearing of your old ways of thinking, is necessary for a mind shift that promotes growth and goal achievement.
Setting your intentions is like giving yourself a little road map for the journey ahead. It’s all about goal visualization and really tuning into what you want to achieve. That may be personal growth, career aspirations, or simply finding more joy in everyday life.
One great way to kick off this process is by incorporating new family traditions to inspire positive thinking. Maybe it’s a special dinner where everyone shares their hopes for the coming year. Maybe your family begins brain storming where your next vacation will be.
New beginnings can feel daunting, but they’re also super exciting! Take some time for self-care practices that help clear your mind. Think meditation, journaling, or even just taking a long walk in nature.
These moments of reflection not only ground you, but also make it easier to visualize those goals you’re setting. Remember, this isn’t just about what you want to achieve; it’s about creating a meaningful reset that aligns with who you truly are.
Achievable Goal Setting
Setting resolutions doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is to make your goals achievable and realistic.
Think S.M.A.R.T. goals – Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound. This framework helps you break down your big dreams into bite-sized pieces that are way easier to tackle.
Be specific about your goals and take action in ways that are measurable.
For example: If one of your goals is to be more calm and less stressed in your daily life, one measurable action would be to set aside 30 minutes a day for meditation. Then actually stick to that schedule.
When you’re planning for success, think about what’s actually doable within the timeframe you set. Instead of saying “I want to get fit,” try something like “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.”
This is a much more positive and manageable goal.
Sprinkle in some time management practices to keep yourself organized and focused. Give goals a time limit. Block out time on your calendar for the action steps you plan to take, just like you would for any important appointment.
With these strategies in place, sticking to your resolutions will feel less like a chore, and more like an exciting adventure.
And don’t forget about accountability partners! Sharing your resolutions with a friend or family member can keep you stay motivated and on track. Plus, it makes the journey way more fun when you have someone cheering you on (or joining in on those walks!).
Above all, celebrate your wins. Commit to celebrating your wins, no matter how small, and the positive thought process will become natural, thus bringing about more positive results regularly.
Your Self-Care Game Plan
Get into the habit of practicing self-compassion, and start prioritizing you amidst everyday life.
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to craft a self-care game plan that puts you front and center, especially if you’re juggling family life and entrepreneurship.
Let’s be real—balancing work and life can feel like a circus act sometimes! With a few self-care routine ideas up your sleeve, you can make sure you’re not just surviving, but thriving.
Invest in your mental and emotional health through counseling, journaling, or mindfulness exercises.
Budgeting time for relaxation is key. Schedule those “me-time” moments just like any important meeting.
Whether it’s a cozy evening with your favorite book or a weekend getaway to recharge, treat these times as sacred.
Speaking of getaways, why not add in some travel? Exploring new places can do wonders for your mental health and creativity.
Practice gratitude, by reminding yourself of the little things that bring joy, like morning coffee rituals or evening walks.
These tiny acts of self-care add up over time and help keep the chaos at bay. Remember, prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re setting ambitious goals, trying out new hobbies, or simply looking to embrace life’s little moments, using this strategy of goal setting will put you much closer to sticking to your resolutions this year.
Remember, every day is a fresh start. Surround yourself with positivity, seek out adventures (big and small), and don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way.
So, grab your journal (or that cute notepad you’ve been saving) and start jotting down your reflections and goals. Be sure to keep track of your progress along the way.
Apps, journals, and planners are wonderful tools for tracking your progress so you can see how far you’ve come, at the end of the year.
Maybe even create a vision board, as a solid reminder of your end goals.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments if you have another approach that helps you to dive into the new year with enthusiasm and confidence!
