Happy New Year 2023!
With a new year comes pressure to set big goals, and big resolutions.
But there is so much change in the world that it's bewildering to look too far ahead.
I encourage you to...
Take it one step at a time.
Don't cram your life with too many new goals.
Consider having a resolution revolution.
Try looking at resolutions in a new way.
Look at Resolutions in a New Way
It's overwhelming flitting from one new goal to the next.
Base your goals on habits and beliefs that are already working for you.
Look at resolutions in a new way by reflecting on what went right last year.
Wouldn’t that be more motivating?
Lyn Christian, the founder of SoulSalt Inc, suggests we reflect upon last year using a series of questions. Then, once a month review the list of suggested questions and make notes about how we might answer the same questions at the end of this year.
Some Guiding Questions for the Previous Year
What was your biggest triumph this past year?
What was the smartest decision you made this past year?
What one word best sums up and describes this past year’s experiences?
What was the greatest lesson you learned in the past year?
What was the most loving service you performed this past year?
What is your biggest piece of unfinished business in this past year?
What else do you need to do or say to be complete with the results of the past year?
Some Guiding Questions for Creating a better New Year
What would you like to be your greatest triumph in the coming year?
What advice would you like to give yourself this coming year?
What is the major effort you are planning to improve your financial results in the coming year?
What would you be most happy about completing this new year?
What are you most committed to changing about your work and improving during this year?
What is one undeveloped talent you are willing to explore in the coming year?
What brings you the most joy and how are you going to do or have more of that in your life this year?
Who or what, other than yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving this new year?
If guiding questions, (there are a lot of them) aren't your bag then why not keep it simple and pick a theme?
Pick a Theme
A great way to enhance your start to the new year is to swap out the practice of setting resolutions in favor of a theme.
Keep it Simple.
Pick a theme, and let it guide your actions, decisions, and goals.
Christine Kane's free Word of the Year Discovery Tool has a list of possible words you could explore. As she notes "many people know instantly which word resonates and for others, a little contemplation is required."
Choose just one: it gives you focus.
Select a Word of the Year
Compassion Delight Generosity Gratitude Wealth Change Abundance Change Creativity Willingness Growth Freedom Mastery Fun Friendship Patience Grace Laughter Expansion Awe Adventure Openness Discipline Awareness Kindness Health Presence Acceptance Courage Confidence
Self-Love Action Forgiveness Forgive Release Trust
Knowing Risk Gentleness Choice Spirit Prayerfulness
Power Allow Artfulness Attention Beauty Ritual
Focus Heal Order Clarity Pioneer Peace
Laziness Savor Commitment Integrity Listen Intentional
" When you choose a word to guide you through your year, it becomes your touchstone. It reminds you not just what you want to DO but also of who you want to BE."
- Christine Kane
Go to her website to get the amazing guidance of the Word-of-the-Year Discovery Tool. It also gives you some ideas to get a buddy, share words and hold each other accountable.
I choose willingness as my word, my touchstone. I want to be willing to do the things I need to do to see the changes I want to make.
I wish the same for you.
Reflection and focus can help you stay on track. If you veer off track, simply take notice and gently bring yourself back. You can start your day over any time you wish.
Happy New Year!
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