Calm in the Chaos - Tips for a Better Life
New Year's Resolutions? Maybe or maybe not.
by Jamie Spannhake
January 04, 2022
As I think about the past year and look forward to this new year, I find it helpful to list the things I accomplished or that I am proud of doing/thinking/being in 2021.
If you are like me, you may be an overachiever. When you think back on your days, you may wonder "what did I accomplish today?" When I look back on my year, I do the same thing. And, unfortunately, I often think "not much." But I KNOW that can't be true. That's why I make an Accomplishments List for the past year BEFORE I make any resolutions or set any goals for the new year.
Making an Accomplishments List has several benefits.
1. It motivates me. Like many overachievers, I never feel like I've done enough or progressed enough. This "feeling" (which isn't a fact) is demoralizing. That's why it's important to write down the things I accomplished or that I'm proud of doing or being. What did you accomplish this year? What improvement did you make? What mindset did you implement?
One of my favorite items on my list for 2021 is overcoming my fear of singing in public. This doesn't help me make more money. Arguably, it doesn't make me a better person or a more successful person, or a better mother. But it's something that is important to me and I'm proud of it!
2. It helps me see where I am. Seeing our progress, or even our lack of progress, can help us know how to get to the place we want to be. Reality can be unpleasant sometimes, but if we don't understand where we are currently, we cannot make a plan to get to another place or to achieve a new goal.
3. It clarifies where I want to go. When I see where I am, I am better able to see where I want to be. Setting goals from this informed space means we can set realistic and value-aligned goals.
To Resolve or Not to Resolve?
It's up to you, really. Whatever works for you. I used to set lots of goals for each new year. Now, I set a "theme" for the new year. Sometimes goals are great, and if that works for you, then set some specific goals. But I like to set a theme rather than specific goals and then break that theme down into more specific goals as the year progresses. I find this gives me the flexibility to change as life changes.
If you were to set a theme for yourself for 2022, what would it be?
Maybe you need some clarity first? Maybe you know your theme or even your specific goals and could use some support to stay on track?
I got you! Let's chat about a coaching relationship where I support you, wherever you are and wherever you want to be! Schedule a 15-minute discovery call. There's no obligation. I won't try to sell you. I only want to work together if you think I can be helpful and I think I can support you.
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Wishing you all the best for the new year!
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