Have you been reflecting on this past year? I know that for most of us, it was a doozy, and perhaps you've been feeling a lot of exhaustion and anxiety lately. However, I invite you try to set intentions that will help you grab ahold of the reigns of your life. I want to offer some tools to help you stress less, learn how to feel more confident and thrive more in the new year. Now is the perfect time to begin this important work.
Stress Less and Hit Your Goals and Stress Less
If you are wondering how to hit your goals and feel better in the new year or during the holiday season, I want you to try an exercise with me. Oftentimes when we are feeling our most anxious, pessimistic or deflated, connecting to gratitude helps us come to a more grounded mental and emotional space. I invite you to grab a piece of paper or open up a new document on your computer or phone. Let's go on a journey of gratitude together.
Write a list of things that actually made you happy or, at the very least, feel secure this year. These can be as fundamental as shelter, water and food - essentials that many lacked this year. Or you can write from a broader perspective; perhaps you can connect to gratitude for Mother Earth.
Ask yourself, what did you feel grateful for in 2020? Did you have more opportunities to meditate? Did you start a stable gym routine? Did you take an amazing training, class or workshop? Did you try a new recipe? Even achievements that seem minor deserve acknowledgement because small, meaningful changes are the building blocks to long term results.
Set Intentions Through S.M.A.R.T Goals
Now that we've connected to our sense of gratitude, I want you to hit your goals and set intentions that will help you thrive in the new year. If you're wondering how to feel less tired or why this year had to be so difficult, I invite you to take a moment and reframe. It is healthy to acknowledge the difficulties we encounter but I encourage us to now focus on the aspects of our life that we can control. Try something with me. Write down the following:
Self, Health, Spirituality (or Faith), Career/Finances, Relationships
These five parts of ourselves make up our wellbeing. Take a moment to check in with those five areas of your life. Is one in particular needing some attention? For example, if you're experiencing insomnia, your health needs your help. If your dynamic with your partner has been strained, your relationships may require some extra attention.
Ask yourself: "What has been challenging me in the prior year, and what do I need to focus on in order to feel better?" Maybe you have everything you need but you're not feeling fulfilled because you lack connection to your spirituality or belief system. Perhaps, you're having trouble moving forward in a job or relationship because you don't believe in yourself.
Once you've reflected on these areas of your life, highlight, star or circle the one that demands the most attention. Then, I invite you to create S.M.A.R.T goals based on the area that you circled.
What Are S.M.A.R.T Goals?
I want us to set an intention so we can step into this new year feeling ready and empowered. Part of this process is creating goals that are actually attainable. So what are S.M.A.R.T goals, you ask? These are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.
Specific Goals
These are very well defined, clear goals. We don't want any ambiguity! For example, "I’m going to exercise more” is not terribly specific so think more along the lines of, "I’m going to exercise two times a week."
Measurable Goals
Measuring your goals gives you a sense of accountability. For example, you could decide that you want to work out four times every week. You can easily measure those times. If you don't achieve this goal regularly, then it is important to evaluate if it is realistic for you.
Achievable Goals
Hitting your goal should not be so outlandish that you cannot pull it off (eg. I am going to drop 50 pounds in a month). When you set a goal that is so lofty that it becomes unrealistic, you will get discouraged. Your goals should inspire you!
Realistic Goals
These are goals that are in your reach. For example, if you decide you are going to get promoted within a year, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment because that is not entirely in your control. However, you can vow to learn something new every day, bring more of a sense of compassion to your colleagues, and/or express more appreciation for your team. These are all goals that are in your control.
Timely Goals
Prioritize creating a goal that is on a timeline. For example, if you want a closer relationship with your partner, then try establishing a monthly date night. Time creates a sense of urgency and therefore gives you more initiative to maintain it.
Goalsetting in the new year
I know this year was challenging, but I truly believe that we can move from a place of surviving to thriving. You hit your goals and be more emotionally and spiritually available to support our loved ones. But we have to remember to prioritize our health, wellness and needs first. This can look like participating in programs that promote personal growth such as my 1:1 coaching program Freedom.
If you are struggling with how to feel better, how to feel less tired and how to stress less in the new year, my Coaching Program will provide you with the tools you need to be successful. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I'd be happy to walk you through the process.
Whatever you choose to empower yourself in the New Year, remember that your health, happiness and wellbeing matter. I'm sending best wishes this holiday season!
If you're interested in prioritizing your health in the new year, consider a burnout prevention life coach to support your journey. A new year is an opportunity to make positive life changes! If you're curious to learn more about how to set intentions and manifest empowerment in your life, schedule your free breakthrough session and we can create a personalized plan to help you thrive in the new year.
