I’m a big believer in the idea that acknowledging the previous year and looking ahead to the next doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or time-consuming.
If you’d like to do this look back / look ahead but are feeling busy this time of year (like I am) then this post is for you!
After reading over the five ideas below, pick the one or two (just one if you’re busy!) that speak to you most and do it in a way that works for you. Then, move ahead into the new year with joy and confidence. And that’s it, you’re done 🙂
Idea #1: Pick a word for the new year
I think the trick with choosing a word for the new year is not to obsess over it. Usually one of the very first words that comes to mind will be the right one. What’s the point of a word for the new year? Your word can embody something that you want to remember and keep top of mind as you move through the months ahead. I love this free list of 244 word-of-the-year ideas to help you get started.
Idea #2: Recall your top five
You did some awesome things in the past year, no doubt. Take a few minutes and think back over the twelve months behind you. Of what do you feel most proud? What experiences were the most memorable? You can write them down or simply hold each of them in your mind. End with a feeling of self-pride and know that whatever you accomplished this year, it was enough.
Idea #3: Make a tiny vision board
Who said a vision board has to be on an enormous poster board? I love the idea of a tiny vision board – the size of a postcard or smaller. You can write words that resonate with you in pencil or colored marker. You can find stickers, magazine clippings, or printed images from the Internet that align with where you want to be.
Idea #4: Set one goal and build in accountability
Setting too many New Year’s Resolutions is a great way to crash and burn. What’s the ONE thing that’s most important to you? One change you’d like to make or one goal you’d like to reach? Once you’ve decided on it, figure out how you can create accountability for yourself. Whether this means a weekly call with a friend, hiring a personal life, or something else, I’ve found the key to meeting a goal is building accountability.
Idea #5: Do a visualization journaling exercise
In your visualization journal entry, write in the first person about where you are and the life you are leading, i.e. I am looking forward to a busy day of client meetings and projects I’m excited about! Where are you? How do you feel? What is happening in the day ahead? You can include things about your home, work, relationships, or anything else. If you’re doing this exercise right, it should feel GOOD!
In Closing
It’s easy to get bogged down this time of year with social activities and often we end up going into a new year without really acknowledging what happened in the past one. Make your end-of-the-year short and sweet by picking just one or two of the above and doing whatever feels best for you.
If you’re looking for more, here are some other previous blog posts I’ve written on New Year’s topics 🙂
Here’s How to Keep New Years Resolutions: A *Different* Approach
What Were Your 5 Wins This Year?
End of the Year Reflection Questions: Let’s Take a Moment
How to Choose Your Word of the Year + Use It to Amp Up Your Website
