6 Actions to Set Up Your Year
And just like that, we’re at the end of the year!
Of the dozens of 1:1 jam sessions with clients over the last 30 days, there’s one common theme: everyone wants to enter the new year with intention. And no one has had time to think about how to do that.
This month I’m sharing the top six actions I'm coaching clients to take. Putting one of them into practice will help you enter the New Year feeling like you’re on the right track. Put all six to work, and you’ll stay on that track throughout the year.
1. Write your own year in review
Here are three questions I recommend clients answer before jumping into the New Year. Also, don’t forget to check your praise pile of recognition. (Trust me – you crushed it more times than you remember.) If you don’t have a praise pile, you can download my template and start using it today.
What went well?
What didn’t go well?
What did I learn?
2. Determine your 3 – 5 big rocks
Big rocks are the major personal and professional goals you decide to focus on for the year ahead. They provide a ‘true north’ as you check in weekly on how you’re spending your time and delivering results.
3. Pick a theme
Think of this as your personal mantra for the year. A recent theme was keep going, which I used as the signature of my emails. I have two themes I’m considering for next year. You’ll see the one I select in next month’s newsletter, which is my roundup of favorite quotes to inspire you for the year ahead.
4. Commit YOU to your calendar
When I add something to my calendar the odds of actually doing it increase considerably. Adding important actions to nourish your mind, body, and soul – like taking 5 minutes to stand up and do breathwork in-between meetings – sets you on the path to making it happen.
5. Start a morning practice
Speaking of things to add to your calendar, PLEASE add this one now. So many of us wake up overwhelmed with one giant question hanging over us, “What’s going to go wrong today?” That sets a negative intention for the day before we’ve actually started the day. My ability to successfully GSD – and to generally be a more pleasant person to be around – is directly correlated to being in flow. And getting in flow starts with my morning practice. If you don’t have one, use mine as a starting point.
6. Balance your “to do” list with a “to be” list
Thank you Tara Brach for this outstanding recommendation that I’m putting into action! I’ve started working on my “to be” list for the new year, and so far I have be more present, be more accepting, be more comfortable being uncomfortable, and be more compassionate with myself.
What’s on your “to be” list for the new year? I’d love to know; just reply to this email. I read every message.
Finally, if you’ve nailed your preparation for next year and you’re looking for more inspiration to light your path for the year ahead, check out my appearance on the Unleash Your Soul Song podcast with host Becki Fleischer. A listener just texted me, “That was a fantastic episode! The section on overwhelm in particular was so needed and perfectly articulated to reframe right now.”
