There’s nothing better than the feeling of achieving a goal. So why do we so often let distractions or adversity get in the way? Year after year, we set long lists of goals (if we even get around to actually setting them) with inconsistent completion dates. We are then left feeling disappointed when we review these goals some time down the road and haven’t progressed towards them. We create the suffering. We bring it on ourselves.
Let’s find a new way of setting goals and creating New Year resolutions that will actually make us feel good, and will actually help us.
Instead of creating a list of goals, one of our favorite ideas is setting a one-word theme for the year. We find it’s easier to remember just one word throughout the year. Having one theme also makes it possible to set realistic follow up goals and milestones.
For example, our Leader Jodi Peterman’s theme for 2022 is Balance.
What this means for Jodi is she wants to have a balance of workflow, challenges, and fun!
Once you have your one-word theme, here are some thoughts on integrating and using the word into your life.
- Define what the word means to you.
- What does “a life of [insert word]” look like? When answering, write down each block of thought in bullet points, without editing. Keep writing until you have nothing else to say.
- If you did the above exercise or creating goals based on your theme, you will have a list of goals (once again). Don’t overwhelm yourself – just pick just one sub goal, and focus on that. Work on this goal everyday for at least 20 days, until it becomes a habit. Once the goal is reached or becomes a habit, you can move on to the next mini goal.
- Create a vision board with pictures of your theme. Seeing a constant visual reminder of your goals is how your subconscious mind stays focused on your goals.
- Lastly, be gentle on yourself. Throughout the year, you will experience days where you feel like you are moving in the opposite direction of where you want to go. Please remember your goals and commit to them, but also be gentle on yourself.
We wish you a beautiful, productive, and happy year from any starting point. Not just for this year, but for all years to come. Checkout our other blogs, follow us on social media, or contact us today at office@elizabetherindesigns.com for more information!