The first thing that came to mind as I sat down to write this week was, “does everyone need to read another post about resolutions, goals and planning for a new year? Aren’t there a few dozen or so if not, more posts out there writing about some version of the end of a decade and the start of another?” The answer is yes and no.
The truth is this time of year is too important NOT to write about. Plus, we’re not just starting a new year, but a new decade. We literally have a brand new 10 years ahead of us to rewrite our story – however, we want it to look like. And yes, I mean exactly that. Claiming and writing out what we want in this next decade of our lives.
This goes beyond writing out our goals and resolutions for the new year, but more about what will be different about this next year? What do we want? Who do we need to become? Note – this isn’t about changing yourself but stepping into an elevated version of who you already are.
If you’re new to my community, you’ll learn that I’m all about starting TODAY on anything that’s important to you vs. waiting for a new year or the “right time” (within reason of course). When something’s important to us, we’ll find a solution, if not, we’ll find an excuse. Usually masked in fear.
A year ago I was in a very different place in my life and SO much has transpired that I can’t even imagine (I can actually), but for the sake of being in awe at what’s ahead, I’m over the moon excited at what’s in my future. I invite you all to take a glimpse into your own futures.
But before you go on a visualization exercise imagining what the next year (or 10) looks like, I’d love for you to all take some time to reflect on the last decade that’s passed.
Now I know that’s a long time to look back on, but this is more about highlighting achievements and celebrating progress. You may find that many of your fondest achievements are from the last 5 years alone! Don’t worry about getting granular, i.e. in 2011, I… unless it stands out!
Hint – nothing is off limits! Think big and small, from expanding your career to overcoming your fear of public speaking. This is a time to celebrate the last 10 years. Here are some prompts to help you get started.
- What are some milestone achievements that stand out personally or professionally?
- What fear did you overcome?
- What’s something new you learned about yourself?
- What lessons did you learn? In other words, if you had the opportunity to do (fill in the blank), what would you do differently?
- What are you most proud of?
- If you had to identify your biggest area of growth, what would that be?
- What did you achieve that you originally thought you couldn’t do?
I’m hoping you’re feeling pretty damn proud of yourself after going through this. I know I am. We soooo underestimate how much we accomplish day to day let alone reflecting back on a decade that’s past.
I know it seems like a bit of a deep dive to go that far back, but I promise you taking the time to actually put pen to paper and write out ALL the things you can pull from that helped you grow, that you achieved, learned, overcame and so on puts your life into perspective of how much you can and have actually accomplished.
It’s also a great springboard to use that momentum and consider how you want to start the new year. Without projecting 10 years from now, although if you have plans that far out, I’m not stopping you! Let’s focus on the year ahead and consider how you want to BE. What will be different? How do you want to feel? Who do you need to become?
Growth is never linear and each goal we set for ourselves will always call for a more expansive version of who you are. That is if you dream big like me. 🙂 I invite you to think about the energy, the feeling, the alignment you may need to make as you consider your plans and goals for the new year.
I love the idea of having an anchor for 2020. A word (or two), a feeling, whatever resonates that allows you to go back to when you need a reminder of what you’re working towards. Use that whenever you need to remind yourself of who you need to be and what you’re working towards.
To be sure we’re walking into 2020 completely open and embracing of what’s waiting for us, we need to make room. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Which means letting go of old habits, limiting beliefs, old stories or patterns, etc. that don’t support the direction we’re heading.
What’s one thing you’re letting go of heading into 2020?
Let me know in the comments below and have fun with this exercise!!
Big love to you all!!
Lisa xo
