New year, new patterns.

New Year’s Day may be another day or it may represent a fresh start, a clean slate in which you can begin subtle or large changes in your life. I’ve always loved New Years! I like the idea of a fresh start with new beginnings, although I will admit that there is nothing inherently unique about the day, it is just another day. But, I like to give it meaning, that is what makes any day unique, the value and the meaning we put into it.

Towards the end of the year people reflect upon the previous year, checking in to see if the year was what they expected it to be. Taking note to see if the goals they set were accomplished, thinking about the growth created in their careers and relationships. During this time of reflection, we may start thinking about the new year, what we want to accomplish, where we want to travel, new goals and missions we want to strive for.

So, if you are like me and put special meaning into this day and would like to outline the coming year, this is the post for you!

In my book, Pattern Breakers I discuss the three ways to create change. THINK, SAY, ACT. In this post we will explore how these three simple words can assist you in outlining your New Year’s Resolutions and staying committed to your new goals and patterns. I will be presenting a lot of different tools that you may find useful, you may find some tools more useful than others, but I encourage you to try them all on and explore each to see which one is the glass slipper that fits you perfectly.

• Journal about it- If you’ve read my book you know how much I encourage everyone to journal. Journaling is the best place to start THINKING about what you want to accomplish in the coming year. Spend at least 10 minutes writing about what you want to achieve, accomplish, or gain in 2020. Write with no judgement, put it all down regardless of how unrealistic, materialistic, or out there it may seem. If you want that new car, new job, a lover, to sell your artwork, or to travel to Europe write it down. Be honest with your wants needs and desires. Once you have completed your writing reflect back on it. Take a few minutes looking at your desires and now SAY out loud all of your wants. Revisit your writing and see if there is anything you want to add or remove. Now’s the time to take ACTION. Everyday throughout the year keep journaling and explore ways to achieve your resolutions and celebrate when you achieve one of your goals. Keeping a journal and writing about it will keep you motivated and accountable in achieving your goals.

 

• Create a vision board- This is my favorite way to keep me motivated in my new goals and patterns. On New Year’s Day I spend a good portion of the day creating a new vision board. Vision boards are a beautiful visual reminder to keep you in check with your goals and mission for the year. A vision board can include pictures, words, phrases, anything that reminds you and continues to motivate you throughout the year. I create my board by using poster board and I will add pictures that remind me of my goals. I will also write my resolutions and goals on the poster board with bright colored markers. Keep your vision board in a room where you will see it daily, (mine resides in my office next to my desk). For other examples explore Pintrest to find a style that suits your style.

Side Note! You can have a Vision Board Party, invite your friends and family, encourage them to bring old magazines, stickers, markers, pictures, and make it a fun activity.  

• Daily affirmation- Get an index card, at the top write the phrase, “In 2020 it is my goal to…..” below that phrase write down all your resolutions, goals, and desires. Each morning, out loud read your index card and throughout the day explore ways to achieve your goals. Here’s an example you can use as a reference:

              In 2020 it is my goal to….
               Travel to Europe
               Continue to grow my brand
               Pay off my car loan
               Continue to find ways to reduce my waste and carbon foot print
               Exercise 5 days a week
               Volunteer once a week  

• Create an intenders circle- An intenders circle is a group of people who meet up and share their intentions. How this works is your group sits in a circle and each person goes around and starts by saying, “I intend…” and will address what they intend to attract in their life. After everyone shares their intention it is usually great to go around once more and everyone will say, “I am grateful for….” And list off all the things they are grateful for. Showing gratitude allows a moment to reflect on all the things we have and not the things we don’t have. Intenders circles are great because they offer us a community of people who are all driven to accomplish their goals and creates a space where the participants can support each other in their goals.

If you would like to learn more about how to start an Intenders Circle please visit Highest Lighthouse.

As you start thinking about the goals, patterns, and achievements you’d like to gain in 2020 explore each one of these tools and see which one works best for you. An introvert may not benefit from an intenders circle, while others this may be the only tool that is helpful. Explore and experiment, find what works best for you and dive into the curiosity and opportunities that the new year will present to you.

If you are having a hard time thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2020 join us in the 30-Day Waste Reduction Challenge. This challenge is a great way to kick off the year and create healthy patterns for ourselves and the environment.

---