New Year, New Goals
Happy New Year Y’all!
Tis the season for a reset. I relish this time of the year. All the holidays are done, we can get back into routine, and we can reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
Many people eye roll at resolutions, but let’s look at them from a different perspective: Don’t put so much weight into them, find joy, not dread, in challenging yourself.
Here are some tips I find useful when going into this meditation on myself and my goals. Side note: Can we stop using the word ‘resolution’-which means ‘firm decision, the quality of being determined and resolute’. Let’s give ourselves some grace!
Let’s Go:
Categories:
Goals can feel like a big beast to tame. One tool is to break them down into different categories. I’ll share some of my goals here.
Ex:
Health - Lift heavier kettlebells, keep up my low-carb diet, stretch nightly while watching TV.
Home - Spend more time in my garden, read offline more, and cull my never-ending book collection!
Work - Co-host my second GBTQ men’s retreat! Take continuing education courses for my ICF coaching renewal, and plan out more reels and social media content.
Self Work -Scroll fewer thirst traps, and focus more on wellness and political content on Instagram, spend more time in nature, get at least two psychedelic journeys in this year.
This way they are more bite-size and manageable and you can focus on each group instead of a blob of bullet points.
Accountability partners are a must!
Don’t go at intentions and goals alone. This can also make it more fun when you have to check in with a friend on your (and their) progress. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Find gym buddies, hang with people who aren’t big drinkers, and go out with vegetarian friends.
Avoidance or Approach Goals
Many of us spew off a list of things we don’t want to do in the new year:
I’m stopping smoking
I’m cutting down on drinking
I’m not going to eat French fries
Instead of avoidance goals- try approach goals- which focus more on the positive:
-I’m going to use more spinach in my cooking to lose a few pounds
-I’m joining a spin class to keep my body healthy
-I’ll be calmer if I get eight hours of sleep
Do things that are fun for you. Not just gym. But yoga or kettlebells or swimming. Something you will enjoy so you don’t fall off the routine.
Charitable Intentions
How about volunteering at an animal shelter a few times a month? Helping in a soup kitchen? Donating to a worthy cause each month? Again have someone to hold you accountable. Do these with a friend or partner! It will make you feel good and step out of your box.
The Deathbed Diary Challenge
Ok, I know this sounds dark, but it’s a powerful one.
When people are dying they often say things like-
I wish I hadn’t focused on work so much
I wish I lead a more authentic life
I wish I had kept in touch with more people
What would you say on your deathbed?
Write it down and then take action to make those wins and not regrets!
Don’t assume that reaching these goals is going to equal complete happiness. There is always something we have to work on even when we do lose 30 pounds or get a new job or more sleep. So have fun with this, and if you need some support, I’m always here for you.
