Christmas is different now compared to what is was when we were kids. Once, it was about gifts and that guy in the red suit. Now, however, it seems to be the opportunity for a life inventory.
The truth is there’s nothing more potent than surrounding yourself with friends and family and drinking those disgusting festive tipples under a twinkling tree to induce a spot of reflection.
So by the time New Year’s Eve comes around, we’re ready to begin crafting resolutions. Trouble is, often these things can be empty sentiments filled with the hope they’ll jump-start us out of a rut. We end up with a few abstract promises that we’ve forgotten about by February.
A change is gonna come.
Not this year. This year, resolve to make resolutions that will initiate your own revolution. After all, the time to be your best self is now.
Decide what you want to develop and what you want to ditch! Become the co-creator of your own handcrafted story. Set intentions and goals that are tangible and that will count. We’re so great at applying productivity to our working life—why not let a little creep into our personal one too?
So, are you ready to set intentions and goals that will inspire change for the coming year? Here’s how to craft New Year’s resolutions that guarantee success.
1. Ask yourself the following questions.
Don’t think about it too hard, though; just consider each in turn with curiosity and write down the thing that comes to mind first.
- What do you want more of?
- What would you like less of?
- What is it that makes you feel alive?
- If there is one thing you’d like to achieve this year, what is it?
- Why is that important to you? / How will it impact you?
- How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
- How long do you think it will take you and is that realistic?
2. Make a statement of intent.
Once you’ve answered all the questions, review your notes and compose one concise, easy to remember statement. Make it specific and include details; we’ll call it your statement of intent.
Like all goals, your aim is to end up with a SMART objective (that’s Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic, and Timely). Remember, we don’t always need to know in the beginning how we will achieve our goals, but understanding what they are and what they mean to us is key.
3. Ask these final two questions.
- What do I need to do now, as a first step, to take me in the direction of my goal?
- What is the most immediate thing I can begin to do or cultivate that will have the biggest impact on my life right away?
4. Finally, trust that the universe will help you.
Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open so you will recognise opportunities and guidance as they come to you. Good luck and have a wonderful New Year!
