The New Year is approaching us fast, but steady. Like everyone, we are all preparing our new list of new goals that we swear we will oblige to this year. We are thinking of what new habits and behaviors we are adopting, we promise ourselves we are going to commit to. Goals such as better eating habits, working out more, reading 1 book per month, being a better spouse and getting that position you’ve been working so hard for. Those are all good and dandy, but before bringing more goals into your life you should probably clear out the old and make some space for the new. Executing these few ideas, before the new year begins will surely get you off to a better start.
* Reflect:
First thing first, get a pen and a notepad and reflect on the past year. Do small exercises to rate your life for the past year. For example, on a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the best and 1 being the worst how would you rate it. Right down the reasons why you feel that way and what you could have done to improve the situation.
- Create a list of your accomplishments:
Next create a list of things you’ve accomplished and vice versa create a list of things you did not accomplish. This helps you put the first step more into prospective when it comes to your goals. This step helps you realize one of two things; are the goals that you set for yourself realistic and attainable. It’s great to dream big but dreaming to big and not being able to reach your goal due to it being slightly unrealistic can make anyone feel unaccomplished. However, listing your accomplishment can make you realize all the things you were able to accomplish which can motivate you more to go even harder.
- Create a list of lessons learned:
Creating a list of lessons learned helps you recognize your growth and progress you’ve made within the last year. This will further develop your personal and professional relationships. Take the time to learn who you are as a person, what you value, what you deem as important and how you want your overall life to run. This exercise gives insight into more than just yourself, it gives you insight on the people you also want in your space. If you are growing and maturing each day then the company, you keep should reflect how you want your life to be and who you want to be around.
- Before going into the new year, forgive:
Forgiveness for many of us, is hard. It’s struggle and battle. Some of us feel that if we are wronged why should we be the one to say sorry, apologize, for those who have hurt us? Although, those are all valid points, holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poising and hope the other person dies. Basically, it does nothing for your well-being, your health or your state of mind.
- Learn to let go:
In addition, there are things, people and situations in your life that you just need to release yourself from. Before preparing your goals for the following year identify 5 things in your life you feel like you need to let go and allow yourself to be a peach with. Acknowledge your pain, your hurt or disappointment this situation has over you and come to the realization at this very moment that you will rid it from your life forever. As stated previously, if something does not serve your mental, emotional or physical health in away that betters you then it’s time you learn to leave it behind. Do not take old habits, addictions, bad situations, people or circumstances into the beginning of a renewed cycle of life. 2020 is not just a new year, but a new decade, for you to live, love and start again completely fresh without grudges, resentment or ill habits.
Start this year off great, stay consistent to your goals, learn to reflect, forgive and let go. Out with the old and in with the new. Ensure, to hold yourself accountable and stay dedicated to what you want!
