New Year, Fresh Start
Happy January! Now that the calendar has shifted to 2023 it’s natural to start thinking of new goals and aspirations for 2023. I know what you’re thinking, “What is so special about January that makes us want to better ourselves and strive to reach our goals?” Nothing really, but as humans, we like to start “fresh” - we enjoy beginning tasks on Mondays because the week is a clean slate. January? It’s like the ultimate Monday to our brains.
We see January as a moment to catch our breath and reflect because we have likely just survived a busy end of the year. Our brains need a moment to refresh so that we can move forward with a fresh perspective. To help shape this perspective, it’s always helpful to stop and have an intentional moment of reflection. Before you begin anything new, we want to make sure that you take some time to reflect on the past year. Review the questions below to guide you through this process.
Where did I find success in 2022?
Start by thinking about the positives. It is important to share that success looks different for everyone. As we mentioned, success looks different for everyone. Defining what it looks like to you gives you the opportunity to make sure the correct supports are in place for 2023. For example, if you define success as having an empty inbox on Friday afternoons, so you’re not drowning in emails on Monday morning - what stops this from being reality? Is it a lack of motivation on Fridays? Is it procrastinating on emails throughout the week so now Friday’s inbox seems just too overwhelming? This question doesn’t imply that you had to fully reach a goal to include it in your answer. A win is a win.
🐝Take a moment right now to name 3-4 highlights of 2022.
How did I grow in 2022?
Growth is a large part of the process of reaching your goals. If you’re willing to grow, then you’re willing to keep pushing yourself. For example, did you start to say “no” more often this year when the situation didn’t fit you? That’s fabulous and shows growth - even if you somehow managed to accept the volunteer school committee position despite wanting to decline. Your growth is not defined on perfection, but rather on your persistence and grace. Read that again and even set it as your mantra for January. You do not need to focus on perfection but rather your diligence toward your goals.
🐝Intentionally name 3 steps forward you have taken in 2022.
Can I see where the hiccups of 2022 will help me in 2023?
Hiccups, roadblocks, and setbacks happen to all of us. We’re sure there were plenty of things in 2022 that didn’t go according to plan. How did those events help you grow? You may want to really sit back and think about this one because it can be a difficult question to answer. For example, if you were working towards being more organized in your physical space, but you found that the holidays put a halt to accomplishing that goal - what can you change or prepare for when going into 2023? Or perhaps recognize this as a temporary roadblock and identify how you can get back on track?
🐝Look back at 2022 and identify 3 hiccups you encountered.
What support will I need to move forward?
Having a support system is a powerful tool when it comes to reaching your goals. This can look different for everyone. For example, I tell my significant other that I plan to go to the gym after they get home from work. Why? Because I know that if someone is aware of my plan, then they will inquire about it and nudge me to follow-through. It’s essential to set up a support system that will help alleviate the situations, hold you accountable and provide support. You may seek this through a friend, spouse, or coach. Remember that your support system can consist of as many people as necessary. At The Goalden System we offer 1:1 coaching, Accountability Meetings, and monthly webinars that are all in place to help YOU reach YOUR goals and do the damn thing!
🐝Tell your goals to your support system and let them know how they can help you continue to progress.
Now is the time to ask yourself the hard questions. No one particularly enjoys the difficult questions, but they open up space for growth. January is here, and there’s no changing that, so what will you strive for this year? Chat with us and let us help you elevate yourself for 2023.
