As the clock strikes midnight and we bid farewell to the old, the dawn of a new year brings a sense of renewal and opportunity for 2024!
It's a time when many of us embark on the journey of self-improvement by setting
New Year's resolutions.
However, the key to success lies in the goals we set and the meaningful intention behind them.
In this post, we'll explore the art of setting resolutions that are not only achievable but also deeply fulfilling.
I hope your 2023 has been filled with happiness, health, and intention.
If it hasn’t, it is time to hit the reset button and return to work.
While I strongly believe in shifting your lifestyle over time (and not just setting goals every January), there is a sense of fresh air when January rolls around.
I think it’s a great time to look into the past and clearly envision what’s to come.
Here are 8 ways to do that, and maybe have the best year of your life.
Anything is possible...
Before diving into the future, take a moment to reflect on the year gone by.
What were your triumphs and tribulations?
What lessons did you learn?
Reflecting on the past provides valuable insights to shape your resolutions for the coming year.
If you haven’t seen my previous post about reflecting on some accomplishments and reflections of 2023, you can check that out here.
While dreaming big is encouraged, it's essential to set realistic and achievable goals (this is a tough one for me to type out because I always believe that you must think bigger than you could imagine).
That still holds for the long term, say five or ten years.
You should also take a more strategic and planned approach, say 3 months to 1 year, in the near future.
Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps.
This makes the journey less daunting and allows for a sense of accomplishment along the way.
What do you want to accomplish by January 2025 next year?
What must you do monthly, week, and day to get there?
Know the end goal and work backwards from there.
Consider your core values and beliefs when crafting your resolutions.
Values are ultimately the compass of where you operate from.
If you value health (and prioritize it), going to the gym and eating good nutrition is part of your life (and not a goal).
Aligning your goals with your values ensures that your efforts contribute to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Let your values be your guiding star, whether it's personal growth, relationships, or career aspirations.
I like to work with clients to understand their top values clearly.
Typically, it will come up constantly through their language in conversations.
If you’re not operating from your values, why?
What can be different to make a positive shift to prioritize them instead of letting them go?
Getting caught up in the end goal is easy, but the journey is where the true transformation occurs.
This step is difficult for many people (especially me).
Getting caught up in the end goal, the house, car, relationship, body, money, and fill-in-the-blank is so easy.
But what really matters is who you become in the process. And that’s something that happens through experience, hardships, and choices.
Embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and learn from setbacks.
The commitment to growth and progress is just as important as reaching the final destination.
If you’ve followed me for some time, know (thank you), but also you’d know I love plans.
Especially when they are clear.
Develop a concrete plan outlining your steps to achieve your resolutions.
Whether it's a daily routine, a weekly schedule, or specific milestones, having a roadmap enhances accountability and keeps you on track.
What works for me may work better for you.
Which is why trial and error is so important.
Try a routine and see if it works; if it doesn’t, adjust it, try again, and keep going until you find something that works!
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change.
It’s easy to be stressed, exhausted, and caught up in this crazy thing called life.
You'll get more stress, exhaustion, and madness when you’re rigid and act from a place of rigidity.
Flexibility is the key.
To business, life, relationships, and longevity.
Be open to adjusting your resolutions if needed.
Flexibility allows adaptation without feeling discouraged, fostering a resilient and positive mindset.
Share your resolutions with a trusted friend, family member, or colleague.
Or if you’re really lucky, maybe you’re part of an exclusive community like the one I’ve built called Mentee :). You can learn more about that here.
Having someone to share your journey with provides support and creates a sense of accountability.
You're more likely to stay committed when you know others are cheering you on.
Back in 2014, I was training for fitness competitions. I was laser-focused on winning and becoming the best.
I often worked out with a training partner as we held each other accountable to show up, work hard, and push each other's limits.
It worked; I placed 2nd in my first Men’s Physique show in Kelowna against 18 competitors.
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
If you want to wake up at 7 am and be grateful for 3 things, celebrate doing that.
It doesn’t need to be a massive life goal or accomplishment.
Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategies if necessary.
Recognizing your efforts reinforces motivation and propels you forward.
As you enter the new year, embark on a journey of self-improvement rooted in intention and authenticity.
By reflecting on the past, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing our values, you can create resolutions that go beyond mere aspirations—they become a pathway to a more meaningful and purposeful life.
May the coming year be a canvas for your personal growth and success.
Here’s to new beginnings! And may your 2024 year be filled with health, happiness, and doing what you love.
P.S. If you want a free yearly review worksheet to get started - subscribe to my newsletter here and reply to my first email with Worksheet.
Chris M Wilson
Chris M Wilson is a career coach, entrepreneur, blogger, author, creator, and doer. He is passionate about helping people leave the job they hate and jump into their dream careers!
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