Happy New Year! It’s the first Monday of 2020 and for me, it’s my first day back to work. As I got situated in my home office the normal pressures and routines hit me like a freight train. As instantly as my computer connected to the internet, those pressures started competing with my fresh intentions to exercise, meditate, smile, have gratitude…you know, all the warm and fuzzies you resolve to start doing.
So, I paused and thought to myself, “how do I avoid the cliché of abandoned resolutions?”
“How do I make this fresh start, the one that sticks?”
I have three pieces of advice for myself and you…if you find yourself feeling the same. But before I dive into that, I think it’s important to make sure the resolutions you have are the right goals to set. Write your goal down and then answer these two questions:
Why do I want to achieve this goal?
What will achieving this goal give me?
It’s important that your resolution is something that comes from your heart. Something that your soul connects with and that you know is worth the struggle. Something that matters. If your answer reflects meaning that you are ready to commit to…then keep reading.
Here are the three strategies I will be using to make my dreams for 2020 a reality:
- Find an accountability partner.
You’ve heard this one before, I know. For me, my accountability partner is my coach. Unlike a friend, family member or support group, a coach won’t bring their own baggage or goals to the experience (as long as they’re a good coach). And because we’re not trying to achieve a goal together, I can reap the benefits of encouragement and accountability without navigating someone else’s journey in addition to my own.
- Take your goal one step at a time.
Once you’ve identified that big dream for this year it’s important to break it down in to tiny steps. What is one thing you can do today? Start gently with steps that take only a few minutes. Each day identify one thing…just one. You’ll build momentum and be astonished at how far you get.
- Practice gratitude EVERY DAY.
I recommend actually writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day. If writing isn’t your thing, find someone you talk to every day and start sharing your gratitudes. This practice will illuminate the blessings you already have, helping you maintain a more positive attitude while you’re working hard toward something new. This will also help you become aware of your successes along the way so that you can celebrate the journey.
I truly believe that what the world needs most right now, is for you to uncover your gifts and share them with the world. Take advantage of the fresh start this new decade offers and start sharing. If you need some help along the way, click here to learn more about working with me.
Happy New Year.