Resolve this New Year

“Start where you are and work toward where you want to be.”

Resolve is to decide firmly on a course of action and settle or find a solution to a problem, dispute, or contentious matter…

With the new year, it is simple to look at the blank calendar ahead and wonder what is next. For some, the new year is filled with excitement. A fresh start after a difficult year. Maybe this year will be the time things change.

For others, a new year means the old year is gone and it could mean going from hero to zero… in just the moment the clock turns 12 and the year rolls over to ’21. A great year has ended and then anxiety of the next is sure to follow without a clear direction forward.

There are a few, when the statistics are broken down, that have a goal and a plan and a way to move forward with excitement and anticipation as the new year means it’s another opportunity to keep moving forward in the direction of their goals and dreams.

Whether you are starting or finishing or hoping to begin again, I want to leave you with a quick set of steps you can use to reset your mindset, behaviors, and environment into the new year. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it the “secret” to goal setting, yet it is a great place to start moving forward. The best place to start is where you are so you can work to where you want to go. If you are doing the best you possibly can, that’s a solid step to take.

The simple journal process is designed to help clear the clutter of overwhelm and move forward toward focusing on creating a focused vision toward the future you desire.

Grab a pen and some paper and let’s get started!

• If I could have anything I wanted, what would it be?
• Why do I wake up in the morning?
• Where do I want to spend my time and attention?
• What creative talents would I want to express?
• What intellectually stimulates and challenges me to grow?
• How do I want my emotional/spiritual journal to feel?
• How would I eat and exercise to live my best life?
• Where do I want to personally grow this year?
• Who do I admire that I could learn from?
• Who would I like to share my life with?
• How could I grow forward toward the person I want to become?
• When is the best time to take the first step forward?

These questions are designed to get the process of thoughts flowing for you. Let your mind wonder. Ponder each question, think out loud, write your answers as if they are going into the trash, and allow yourself the grace to run free like you would have as a kid. As you work though the questions, you will notice the mind opens up and releases thoughts, feelings, and desires to begin taking action. Things will come to mind and sound great while quickly fizzling out. Others will start soft and gain more traction as you give them energy and attention.

Once you have allowed yourself the time and attention to marinate on your goals, start to solidify the goals that catch the most attention. Work through the following questions to begin taking the ideas out of your head and placing them into reality with action.

• What do you want?
• Why do you want it?
• How do you plan to get it?
• Who can help you accomplish your goal?
• Where will you start taking action?
• When is the best time to take the first step forward?

As you move forward, it might be a good idea to organize your goals into a few categories. This will help you prioritize your goals depending on your specific priorities and life situation.

• Business
• Fitness
• Family
• Life

I hope this gives you a solid step forward in building a plan for 2021. I am happy to help with a more specific and personalized plan to help you achieve the goals you are willing to work for in 2021 and Beyond!

Always Cheering for You,

Gary