Another year of Resolutions!
Traditionally, we all know the New Year as a time to make resolutions for the coming year. With the way the last few years have been for most of us, wishes for better times in 2023 are being shared everywhere we turn. And even though we generally fall short on our annual dreams and resolutions, thankfully it is human nature to try, try again.
What are your thoughts as you stop and reflect upon the past year? Was it a good year? Could it have been better? Are you excited about the new year?
If you are thinking, ‘yes! I had an amazing year and can’t wait for this one to be even better!’ – that’s fantastic! And if you didn’t have such a great year, why not?
Ask yourself these questions to start putting into place the framework you need to have an even better year this year!
Why The New Year?
Of course you can start improving yourself whenever you want. But the new year is a great time to start working towards your ‘best year ever’ because it symbolizes a fresh start.
At some point, we’ve all heard, “out with the old, in with the new.” It’s a common phrase, especially around this time of year. Mentally, the symbolism of ending one year and beginning a new one makes it a great time to start working on making changes for a better year ahead.
Separately, because so many others use the beginning of the year as a fresh start, you may have a built-in support system of people also working to better themselves. Safety in numbers, support in numbers.
How Do You Get There?
What would having your ‘best year ever” mean to you, and how will you get there?
Take some time to think about what will make next year better. Think about your values, what you find meaningful and important, where you like or want to spend your time and anything you would like to happen in the next year.
Your best year could be about professional or personal growth, improving relationships or taking steps to improve your health.
Perhaps it could be a full year of self-discovery: traveling, exploring, living life to the fullest, having more fun, relaxing, being more positive, practicing self-care, setting boundaries, or being present and mindful. Maybe you are thinking about giving back and volunteering your time. Or maybe you are thinking about stepping back from some activities because you are too busy or not enjoying them anymore.
Some people find a theme they would like to exemplify; sometimes, it’s a word, such as discipline, fun, strength, or courage.
Ready, Set, Goal!
You may need to map out a detailed process to accomplish your vision of your best year. If so, include milestones to help you stay on track and grow your confidence as you meet your goals. When you are creating your path to what would make this year the best you imagine, you may find it is easier to work backward. Start with the end result and think of all the steps needed to achieve your goal.
For instance, if you love to travel and explore, what does that look like for you? Do you make it a priority to go somewhere new every month? Do you need to adjust your budget?
What would focusing on your relationships and growing your support circle look like? Would you reach out to people monthly to reconnect, grab a coffee or take a walk? Join a club?
Work backward to prioritize and figure out who you want to see, how many coffee dates you can go on, and how to meet new people.
Be Consistent
While the new year is a logical time to start working on yourself, the truth is that working on yourself is a daily occurrence, and you can begin at any time. Because ultimately, it’s the consistency of doing the little things that get us to where we want to go.
Tiniest seed in the world
Did you know that orchids have the world record for having the smallest seed of any flowering plant… the size of a speck of dust. And yet these amazingly beautiful flowers are the largest of all the flowering plant families!