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What will your life look like this time, next year? I love this question, especially as we approach the new year. As you slow down and reflect on this last year, how has your life changed in the last 12-months? What goals have you achieved in 2022? In what ways did you capitalize on opportunities that presented themselves? Don't dwell long on the past for too long but use it as a benchmark. Your future is calling!
Caution, this week's blog asks you a lot of questions. Good news for you - you get to consider a new life if you had a magic wand, great right! Let's consider this...instead of making a list of resolutions for 2023, you will envision what your life will look like in 12 months. Crazy idea!
Fun facts about New Year's resolutions - 41% of Americans make New Year's resolutions but only 9% feel they were successful in keeping their resolutions. I'm going to give you a tip to becoming part of the 9% who keep their New Year's resolution and live your best life.
"Sometimes you have to forget what's gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to what's coming next." - Will Smith
Let's get out of our own way and expectations of what others thinks we should focus on in the next 12-months. America's top New Year's resolution in 2023 is to exercise more, in fact that's the case with 52% of the U.S. respondents. That's closely followed by eating heathier at 50% and the third highest is to lose weight at 40%. Although great resolutions, there is more to the end game than stating your resolution.
New Year's resolutions as stated by Wikipedia, "a tradition - in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of the calendar year." Which is interesting to think about, especially the continuation of good practices. Sometimes we forget to stop and congratulate ourselves on the continuation of a newly formed habit or life change. Don't forget to pat yourself on the back and recognize your accomplishments. In the below exercise we are going to focus on a personal goal.
How to create lasting change...with one simple but powerful question.
What Will Your Life Look Like This Time, Next Year?
Step 1
Find a quiet space, without interruptions. That's right, I want you to turn off your cell phone. All the way off, not just silent. You need complete concentration for this.
Step 2
With a note pad and pen/pencil in hand you're going to reflect on and write down your answers to the following questions. Think positive. For instance if something is going really well in your life now and you're satisfied, put that down! If you're not happy in your current job (for instance) what will your life look like next year could help you decide what job you may want or what changes you need to make in your current job to be fulfilled.
If you had a magic wand, what would you want your life to look like in 12-month?
Who will share this life with me?
Where will I be living?
Where will I be working?
What will a "normal" day look like for me?
How will I feel, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally?
Step 3
Now ask yourself next to each answer to the question above, "how confident am I on a scale of 1 - 10 that my life will be the way I imagine in the next 12-months?" Then ask, "what will it take to get me from current score to a 10?"
Step 4
The key is to be aware of what you're envisioning. Do not try to solve things that come up during this time. Instead, be aware and present with how you feel about what your future life could look like. Sit with it, resonate with it, let it soak in and become a real dream that you will turn into a goal.
Step 5
Talk about this exercise with your support person. Talk about where you want your life to be in 12-months. By taking it this one extra step, you are setting your idea in concrete. You are establishing that you are worth the work and will reach your new life December 2023.
You are worth the life you want. Don't let another year go by and live passively while wishing for a new life. Go out and claim it. And most importantly, this is your life, not another's. Be strong and brave in your decision. Live your life as you feel is aligned with your values, your ideas, and your passions.
The past two years have paused many dreams and given plenty for people to think about. My ask of you - don't let 2023 pass you by without claiming at least one new aspect you want to incorporate in your new life.
And I'll just leave this here...
You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. - Winnie the Pooh
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