5 Questions For a Fantastic New Year
Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
On Saturday, the last month of the year rolls in. And I love a fresh start. Back when I was in school, the beginning of a new semester was the best. I loved picking out my classes and striving to finally create the perfect schedule.
So it won’t surprise you that I’ve already got my 2019 mapped out. In my bedroom, there’s an “extra” closet. Years ago, it was the holding tank for all the toys my two boys had grown tired of until they could come back into rotation and be greeted with new enthusiasm.
These days, it’s the perfect spot for posting my 2019 goals to be able to see the big picture. Each year, I buy one of those big desk calendars and tape all twelve months on the wall. In the morning, before I head into my home office, I take a glance at all that I’ve planned for the new year and ask myself: “What do I need to do today to make sure I meet these goals?” Then, I make my to-do list for the day.
If you’re excited about what’s to come in 2019, I definitely recommend this process. But before you dive into it, you may want to take a few moments to consider the five questions below. They’ll help you make space for your big dreams to come true.
Question #1: Is there anything you can gracefully let go?
Are there people and programs that aren’t serving you anymore? Have you made commitments to clients or organizations that you’ve outgrown? Is there a group of friends that is more draining than inspiring these days?
Or maybe you continue to do some things around the house that you could outsource to your kids or your spouse? Make a list of all the things you could gracefully let go in the new year.
Question #2: What do you want to double-down on?
Now, I want you to take out your list of goals from the beginning of last year. Is there something on the list that you haven’t yet achieved that you could focus on during this last month and get it done? If so, is it still a goal that’s important to you? If the answer is yes, make a plan to double-down and get it done in the next 30 days.
Question #3: What have you accomplished in 2018 so far?
While you’re reviewing your goals for 2018, make a list of all you have accomplished so far. Your original list of goals from the beginning of the year may help jog your memory, but I want you to include all your wins - big and small - from the last 11 months. Some of them may even be lessons you’ve learned or friends you’ve made. If it’s a win, put it on the list. And pat yourself on the back.
Question #4: How do you want to feel in 2019?
About five years ago, I came across an amazing book by Danielle LaPorte that completely changed my approach to goal setting. Instead of making a list of the things I wanted to acquire or accomplish, I first start with a list of five core desired feelings for the year.
In her book, The Desire Map, LaPorte guides readers through a process for identifying their core desired feelings. I’ve been through it so many times that I can usually get to mine within a few morning journaling sessions. Once I’ve got these feelings identified, they guide my goals and my everyday decisions.
Question #5: What habits can you reboot in the next 30 days that will serve you well in the new year?
What might be possible if you decided to jump start your good habits before January 1st rolls around? Could you fit in an extra workout each week to boost your health habits? Is now the right time to revamp your morning routine or simply start giving 20 minutes each day to your passion project?
Find at least one small change that you can make in December that will bring you into January feeling ahead of the game.
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