by Dr. Elizabeth King, LCSW, CHt
The new year is a chance to mentally set the reset button. It’s a great time of year to reflect on the amazing accomplishments you’ve had over the last year, while making plans for how you want to proceed in 2016. Ask yourself…am I ready to get out of my own way to live my greatest life? Preparing for the new year may require some thought, and an action plan mixed with flexibility. Here are 3 simple helpful tips to move your thoughts into action.
3 SASSY Tips to Prepare for the New Year
- Reflection: Reflecting on the last year is not a time to think about all of the things that went wrong. It’s a time to look back over the last year and take a look at all of the things that were done right, while also looking at events that took place that could have been handled differently. Write both down and use them as part of your 2016 plan. Focus more on the positive of 2015 to leave yourself with a sense of accomplishment headed into the new year.
- Goal Setting: Spend time thinking about what you really want to accomplish in 2016 both personally and for business. Write down 3 for both with a date of targeted completion and a set of action items to accompany the goals. Goals can be anything you want from taking a vacation to spending more time in meditation. Set 2 very attainable goals and one bigger goal that will push the limits of your comfort zone. Writing them down, with an expected time to of completion puts your goals in the forefront of your mind. Writing them down and putting them in front of you is subconsciously proven to help you work toward them and accomplish them faster.
- Build your tribe: Enlist people that support your goals and that can help you be accountable throughout the year. Sometimes that means bringing in people that are going hold your feet to the fire and not allow you to make excuses. Sometimes it means having someone you can bounce ideas off of and be creative with. Surround yourself with people who will be truthful and honest with you, even if it’s not what you want to hear. This allows room for growth and expansion. A support system is imperative to personal and business growth, starting off the year with a few members of your tribe will help you expand to new horizons early on in the year.
Happiness is a mindset. As you move into the new year, think about habits you can change to create a happier lifestyle and a mindset that will allow you to reach your goals more peacefully. Make time for yourself at least once a week and spend the time to do something with yourself, even if it is just relaxing and reading a good book or taking a walk. Keep in mind that life is about the journey not the destination. No matter what challenges you may face, each day is a new day. It’s the start for a new beginning that you control in terms of how you think and react to situations. Set your sights on living the life you want to live and work toward it in your daily thoughts and actions.
And that’s the way you create a SASSY Life. May 2016 be a year of accomplishments and happiness!
