Before You Set a Single Goal.. . . .Read This
Hey there!
First of all, I have to say two things. One, I love this week every year - and today I heard it described as a Hush week. How good is that? I vote for implementing it every six months. Yes?
Next, I have to confess while I am writing, one of those fun, even a bit cringey movies, that I can’t get enough is playing in the background. . . How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. How can that not put you in a good mood?
Now, back to the new year post that everyone is writing, reading and focusing on right now. While I do love a new year, fresh start, and getting my house clean after all of the Christmas decadence, I do not set big, gigantic new goals or resolutions at the New Year. For the past few years I have been one of those who have chosen a word for the year, and in fact, last year I even chose two words. I’ve decided I am not choosing a word for the 2023 year, or even two words. I realized that sometimes a word is just not realistic. So many things can happen in a 12 month period. . . .during the course of the year you might need multiple words and intentions to keep you on course. Since I found I needed different “words” or intentions or focus during different parts of the year last year, so for 2023, I am not even going to try to think of one single intention for an entire year.
If you are thinking of working on some area of your life, whether it be health and wellness, wellbeing, business, habits, skills, or whatever, I encourage you to dig a little deeper - if you actually want to make a positive difference in 2023. If you really want to do something new and different, you have to get real with yourself and know why you want to make a change. Change is hard. That’s why we talk about new habits and resolutions this time every single year. And I guarantee you, if you don’t have a real, concrete and important reason to change, you won’t. It’s not just me saying it either or being a negative nellie. It’s actually science backed. If you want real change then you need to be honest and find the real reason.
This is something that we work though in coaching clients. Whether it is a wellness goal or a life goal, or creating habits, if you can’t figure this out, then there is no use in going through the motions (and paying money) because a glossy, superficial, make it to your 25th reunion, fitting into a pair of jeans, white knuckling it through an event, type of goal, won’t do either of us any good.
So, take first things first. Take some time. Soak in a tub. Take a walk. Get in some quiet. Figure it out. Why do you want to achieve the goal or intention you are setting? Keep asking yourself. Write it down. Ask yourself again. Write it down. Keep going until you are left with the Real reason - the reason that matters to you. Only then can you really begin to work and make progress.
And I promise it will pay off. In so many ways. And, just so you know, this is one of my favorite things to do with clients . . . getting to the Real Why. It can be fun, surprising, and even more. And I’d love to help you.
I have a confession, too. I’ve had to stop typing so many times to laugh out loud at this ridiculous movie!
Cheers to your New Year! I’m so looking forward to spending more time right here in your inbox (;.
Thank you!