3 Practical Tips for Living Your Best Year

Can you believe that we are at the end of 2021? I am sure I feel like most when I say that it does not even feel possible that we are already done with 2021 because it seems like yesterday was 2019, and then 2020 lasted for years. But even still, this is typically the time we set aside to claim the New Year as our year to do "ABC"!

We make our list of resolutions and promises to hit it hard on January 1st. But then what usually happens is we get overwhelmed, burnt out, and give up before February 1st. As someone that has been setting goals for a very long time, I wanted to share with you my process of setting goals and achieving those goals.

But I also want you to know that there are many goals that I end up not completing in a year, as well as there are many goals that I end up realizing halfway through the year are no longer relevant goals - and that's 100% okay. It is okay to recognize that a goal you set is no longer realistic for your current situation or is just simply not a goal you're even interested in achieving right now.

The main point is to keep goals forward-focused and realistic. Forget New Year's resolutions for 2022! Most of the world perceives a new year as a time to make massive changes in their lives, but it is the daily choices we make that lead to lasting change. That is why New Year's Resolutions are so often fruitless. You can get going and finish strong by making better choices daily in the new year.

Three tips for making sure this is your best year ever.

1. Break It Down— Where can you be more focused? Can you zero in on one thing that feels important to you? What one thing would move the needle closer to your goals? How can you commit to that every day?
   
   I must offer the best possible advice around hitting your goals. So if there was one thing I needed to communicate above all else, it is this – find one thing to zero in on. Not ten. Not five. Just one thing that is a non-negotiable for you in 2022. And then get laser-focused on how you're going to make it happen.
   
   Here is the reality – you can add other goals later if you have accomplished this one. Still, I think it is essential to go all-in on one unapologetically ambitious goal rather than only halfway commit to a ton of tiny plans.
   
   Agree? 😉
   
   It will unlock so much more for you, and you will finally be able to build momentum to make the other goals possible. Trust me – it is going to be epic.

When you want to save for a dream home, start a business, or get healthier, you need to recognize that it will take time. Our need for instant gratification can lead us to give up before even getting started chasing our goals.

Choose one crucial thing you want to have by the end of the year, and then break down the steps you will have to take to make it happen. Then break them down even more. Come up with small tasks you can achieve daily in no more than 10-30 minutes. That will help you see your goal as a journey (so you do not give up too soon) and make the goal easier to tackle.

2. Track Your Time— Cast the vision for the year ahead. How do you want to show up for the people closest to you? What tangible wins do you want to see in your life/business?
   
   It will be tempting to play small at this step, but I want you to resist that urge. Instead, allow yourself to dream big. In your perfect world – what would you achieve in 2022? Let yourself feel abundance here + get excited about what is to come.

We are all busy. But many women use busyness as justification for maintaining the status quo, even when they tell you they want transformation. A simple approach to finding "wasted time" in your schedule is tracking it.

For at five three weeks, keep track of what you do all day long. Use an app, spreadsheet, or pen and notepad to keep track. You will soon start to see that you spend more time watching TV, playing games, and checking social media than you imagined.

Once you become aware of this wasted time, choose yourself in its place. Use that time to enjoy a hobby, research career programs, or spend more time with your family. Whatever your goal next year, opting to spend your time acting on it every single day will ensure you close the year wherever you choose.

3. Rewrite Your Life— Reflect on last year. What worked and what did not work? Can you identify any places where you were scattered in the previous year trying to do too many things?
   
   It is crucial to think about the past before you automatically jump into the future. This is your space to get a good idea of what you want to repeat from last year and what you are ready to step away from to make space for something new.

Many women sleepwalk through life more often than they care to acknowledge. If you would like to live a happier, more fulfilling life, take stock of whatever makes you joyful. What gives you enjoyment and makes you feel alive?

Now, restructure your life to make sure those things are a part of it. Look back at your time-tracking list (from above). What obligations and expectations can you modify or delete entirely so you live a life full of joy and purpose. Make a conscious decision to live life to the fullest every day.

And that is it! Allow yourself at least one hour for each of those tips. Just journal about all three, and even if you feel like you are done after a few minutes, try to lean in and see where your mind takes you. You might be intrigued by what you discover.

➡️ My challenge to you is not to commit to everything at once in January. Reflect. Dream. Then get specific and commit to showing up every day to make it happen.

That goal you wrote down? It is SO possible for you. And I cannot wait to support you throughout the rest of the year as you make it happen.

Happy New Year!

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I would love to hear if this blog was helpful and what it sparked for you. Feel free to let me know. ❤️️

I hope you have the best success next year!

P.S. Check out the blog, How to Plan and Achieve Your Goals, from my friend and colleague Karen Stally, the Back to Life coach. 

 https://www.karenstally.com/blog/how-to-plan-and-achieve-your-goals