Setting Goals for the New Year

I don’t know about you, but I am very introspective at the end of every year. I reflect on where I am, and how did I do this year? What did I accomplish (or what did I not accomplish)? I also become very optimistic about the upcoming year and the possibilities it presents. Just like everyone else, I start out with the best of intentions with my New Years resolutions, but by February, they are nothing but a long list of promises I feel guilty about not keeping. Sidenote: Anyone that knows me, knows how I love to make myself a list!  I’ll write stuff down on it that has already been done, just so I can check it off.

So last year, I finally gave in to the fact that making New Years resolutions just doesn’t work for me. I decided that I would do something different and focus on just a few things I wanted to happen over the course of the year. I was looking for freedom from a variety of things and obligations that I don’t enjoy or serve me. So freedom became my word for the year.

I did my vision board, with my girlfriends like I always do. I like to make it pretty and put it in my home office where I will see it. I made it all about my freedom and what I was hoping would happen in the beginning of the new decade. OK great, so now I’m all organized, now what? How am I going to get where I want to be?

I realized that I have to put in the effort to get there, but it is really hard to do things on your own. It doesn’t set you up for success. I researched and read books. I sought out groups to surround myself with support and connection. I found that most folks are just like me and there is strength in numbers. What happened in my life last year was amazing.

I would find myself saying out loud, “Dave Ramsey wouldn’t approve” or “It’s not a hell yeah, so it’s a no!” I am now free from many of the things that were weighing me down, holding me back, and obligations that I had committed to that no longer serve me. I know it may sound cliché, but by freeing up my life of these things, I have made more room in my life for abundance. I had no idea this journey would have an even more positive outcome than I could have imagined.

This year’s word for me is growth. I have a few areas in my life in which I would like to grow both personally and professionally. Do you have changes you really want to make? Getting specific about how I am going to make changes and who can help me is critical. If I can help you get pointed in the right direction, please do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, strength in numbers!

Here’s a list of some of the authors and resources that helped me:

Mel Robbins – The Five Second Rule – I listened to this on Audible, she is a very engaging narrator. The premise of the 5 Second Rule is that you have 5 seconds to act on an instinct before your brain starts talking you out of it. I am convinced we should be best friends.

Dave Ramsey – Total Money Makeover – I tweaked the baby steps to fit an entrepreneurial lifestyle. This is great advice and I think a lot of folks realize they need help in this area after this year especially.

This Naked Mind – Annie Grace – Find freedom, control alcohol, discover happiness, change your life.

Darren Hardy – The Compound Effect –  Based on the principle that your decisions shape your destiny.

12 week Year – Brian P Moran and Michael Lennington – Achieve more in 12 weeks than many do in 12 months.

Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis – Offers everyday advice, and is where I learned my favorite phrase…”If it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a no!”