Look Forward and Get Clear about Where You’re Going

Bidding goodbye to the past year and ushering in the New Year often goes hand and hand with thinking about all that you want for the future. 45% of people make New Year’s resolutions, while others staunchly avoid the controversial tradition. Whether you make a resolution or not, it’s a good idea to spend some time and energy considering what you want to create in the New Year. Yes – read it again; what YOU want to create. Don’t let the pace of life and the will of others determine your outcome. Know where you’re going and be intentional about getting there. Remember these words of wisdom: “If you don't know where you're going, you will probably end up somewhere else.”

Look Back and Be Curious

It’s a good practice to take stock of the past year. Take stock means “to look at critically or searchingly.” In days gone by, there is much to learn! What worked out for you? What didn’t work? Why? What did you do well? What do you need to do better? What do you want to continue giving your energy to and what do you want to cut out? What did you fail to see about yourself or your situation? The insight you gain from hindsight is like a secret code that will unravel the mysteries of the journey forward!

Gather Your Tools

Consider all that you have going for you; your friends and family, your character strengths, and your resources, like money, babysitting, and good walking trails. List the steps you need to take to get to your goal, and next to each step, list the tools that you will use to get there. For instance, if you want to quit smoking, you may write down that you won’t smoke in the car. Next to that step, you may write that instead of smoking, you’ll sing along to the radio, listen to an audio book, or ask a friend to ride along. Remember to Stop at the Rest Stop Just like when you’re on a long drive, plan on stopping at the rest stops along the way. That doesn’t mean you’ll be reverting to old behaviors. The rest stop is a time when you’ll do things that rejuvenate you and re-energize your motor! You need energy to drive your motivation and will. Identify the things you do that renew your energy and address the habits and situations that drain your energy. If you can’t eliminate energy drains, you can alter them or yourself in that situation, and you can practice good self care despite unavoidable energy drains.

Keep the Focus and the Faith

Keep your eye on the prize and continue stoking the fires of motivation. Tell others about your goal. Tell your mother, tell your partner, tell your co-workers. Most important, tell yourself - over and over and over again! Make a list of all the reasons you want to achieve your goal, and post it where you’ll see it everyday! Be vigilant about ignoring the nay-sayers and tolerate absolutely no negative self talk. Ask yourself often if your attitude is going to get you where you want to go. If not, make an attitude adjustment!