2022 is here offering us all a fresh start. With new energy, it is s important to set intentions and make plans for what we would like to experience. Some people prefer goals. Other people prefer resolutions. Some prefer to set intentions. No matter what your method, getting clear about what you want to experience and making an actual plan to create that reality is important. The following are some suggestions for harnessing the power of intention and getting things done in the new year.
One of the best ways to define what we want to experience in this upcoming year is to take some time to analyze where we currently are and from where we have come. Reflection is valuable as it gives us an opportunity, to be honest with ourselves about what we wish we would have accomplished…but didn’t and the reasons for why those accomplishments weren’t achieved.
Regret has a way of making us more accountable for our present and future. If we can take the time to be honest with ourselves about what we were not able to accomplish or where we fell short in the previous year, then there’s always the chance to use the present and future moments to do better. Clarifying where you were, where you are, and where you would like to be is very important when establishing resolutions, goals, and intentions.
Make a List of Objectives
Now that you’ve done some reflecting, what exactly do you want to do? It’s a good idea to write a list of objectives for the current new year. This creates something concrete for reference. This is especially true for individuals who find that it is hard for them to stick to plans or for those who need the solidity of seeing their plans mapped out. Also, writing things down allows the thoughts from your mind to see the light of day on paper so that you can see in plain sight what your objectives are instead of them being just an idea in your head.
Create a Plan
With your objectives mapped out, now you need a plan. It’s fine to write down what you would like to do, but you also have to have a concrete way of getting things done. The specific your plan, the better. You don’t always have to know what you’re going to do down to the tiniest details in beginning, but it is important to create some type of solid plan to put you on the correct path to obtaining your resolutions, goals, and establishing your intentions for the new year. When you have a plan, it makes you feel ready and prepared for what you would like to create for yourself. With a plan, no longer are your resolutions, goals, and intentions merely holding space in your head, a bunch of talk, or merely a dream. A plan is your way of telling yourself that you are ready to get what you desire.
Choose a Concrete Reminder of Your Intentions
Once you’ve got your plan going, it’s important to keep yourself on the right track. Creating a concrete, physical reminder of your resolutions, goals, and/or intentions is important. How you choose to do this is up to you. Some people prefer to make a voice note that they listen to every day to remind them to stay on track. Other people prefer to create a checklist that they put in a common space that reminds them of their daily, weekly, monthly, and perhaps even yearly objectives. Vision boards are also excellent for encouragement for our new year intentions. Some people prefer to make timeout each day to journal about their path forward. It’s all up to the individual. It’s important to choose a reminder that keeps us on track and accountable for meeting our benchmarks for our resolutions, goals, and intentions.
Remember to Reward Yourself
Finally, it’s important to take some time out to reward ourselves for the efforts taken to create the lives of desire. Sometimes goals take time, and it’s important that we honor where we are in our process. So, every now and then treat yourself. If you’ve set certain benchmarks for yourself, make sure that once you hit a milestone or complete an objective, you do something for yourself. When you reach those really big objectives, goals, and resolutions, don’t be afraid to splurge on yourself!
Remember, life is a process and even getting to where we want to be should be enjoyable to us. Creating the life that we want is a lived experience that we should be able to enjoy. Life is not a checklist filled with celebrations once we get to where we want to be. It is possible for us to enjoy the experience of meeting resolutions, goals, and intentions. The process is just as important as the endpoint. Remember, all work and no play can make life pretty dull, so give yourself a pat on the back when you’ve met your personal benchmarks for your resolutions, goals, and intentions.
Ultimately, the New Year is filled with promise and the energy to make things happen. Take the time to assess where you have been, where you are, and ultimately where you want to be. Be willing to put in the necessary work to get to where you’re going. But while you’re doing so, make sure to live a little and treat yourself when you’ve accomplished even the smallest feat along the way to achieving your ultimate goals, wishes, and intentions.