As we embark on a new year, it's natural to seek clarity and purpose in our lives. In this blog post, I'll share a comprehensive framework that has personally guided me through the months, offering a blend of visualization, happiness guides, habit tracking, monthly reviews, and impactful words to cling to.
Let's embark on a journey together as we explore these practices to set the tone for a fulfilling and intentional year ahead.
1. Visualization Exercise for a Clear Direction:
Why I Do It: In the realm of self-discovery and intentional living, the power of visualization cannot be overstated. This specific exercise, which I perform annually, serves as a compass for the direction I want my life, career, and relationships to take.
How to Do It: Get a notebook or blank word doc and at least 5-10 minutes of alone time.
Close your eyes and picture waking up 20 years in the future. You're living your most fulfilling life.
What does a typical day look like?
Where do you live? Where do you wake up?
What are you wearing?
What’s the first thing you see?
Where do you drink your coffee in the morning?
What’s your energy level?
How do you spend your time?
What are you passionate about?
What are you proud of?
What do you do for fun?
What kind of food are you eating?
Who do you spend most of your time with?
Visualize this as clearly as you can, with as much detail as you can. When you’re done, spent 5-10 minutes writing down what you saw (can be journal style, simple bullet points, whatever works for you).
Knowing what I want this day to look like helps me in various aspects of my life — it helps me identify goals and habits each year, make big decisions, know what to say yes/no to, and helps me feel anchored to a larger vision for my life that I know I can move myself toward.
Plus, you’re more likely to achieve goals or build habits if you feel they are connected to a long-term vision and purpose.
It’s also oddly comforting, because chances are that the life you picture in this vision is far simpler than the life you often feel you need to strive for in your daily life.
Adaptations: Recognizing that everyone's journey is unique, feel free to adapt the exercise. Adjust the time frame if 20 years feels too distant, and if visualization isn't your preferred method, transform it into a simple journaling or brainstorming exercise.
Things to Keep in Mind: Understand that your vision may evolve over time, and that's perfectly normal. Regularly revisiting and updating this exercise can help identify your values and priorities.
2. Crafting Your Happiness Guide:
Origin of the Exercise: This unexpected yet effective exercise emerged from a coaching session last year. The Happiness Guide is a resource that serves as a lifeline on challenging days, offering a curated list of things that bring genuine joy through each of the senses.
How to do it: How to do it: A Happiness Guide is a resource that can help you support yourself on days that feel hard. Simply list out things that bring you true joy within each “sense” - Taste 👅, Smell 👃🏻, Sight 👁, Sound 👂🏻, and Touch 👆🏻. When you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated pull up your guide and pick something. Download the template HERE.
Personalization Tips: Tailor the guide to your preferences. You don't have to list five items for each sense, and it's okay to skip a category if certain sensory experiences are challenging for you.
3. Unlocking Habits with a Habit Tracker:
Power of Habit Tracking: Habit tracking is a time-tested method for building and sustaining habits.
Implementation: Is very simple just download this template and use it to track your habits. Listen to this podcast episode for some inspiration on what habits to incorporate this year to help you reach your goals and become a better version of yourself.
Perspective Shift: Explore the broader view of tracking habits, understanding that an "off" day or week doesn't negate your ability to instill positive changes. This perspective has been a crucial lifeline during busy or challenging seasons.
4. Monthly Review Days for Alignment and Intention:
Creating a Routine: If the past year feels like a bit of a blur, my number one suggestion is establishing Monthly Review Days — a designated day to prepare for the month head.
These aren’t just a great way to stay organized, they also help you stay aligned, present, and intentional as you move through the year.
How to do it: Dedicate a day each month to review your schedule, projects, tasks, digital files, and workspace. Discover the impact of this routine on maintaining order and clarity in your life. The way I like to do is to reflect on the month that has pass and then look at the month ahead and make sure I am prioritizing and focusing on the most important things.
I host Virtual Monthly Review Days from on the first Friday of each month, where I walk you through, step by step, this monthly review. These sessions are a great way to establish this routine and get support. You’re invited and you can learn more here.
5. Feed your hunger:
Ever heard the phrase, "Feed your hunger"? Let's unpack that. Recently, I tuned into a thought-provoking podcast that delved into the concept that true greatness in life stems from an insatiable hunger. Feeling stuck, making excuses, and clinging to limiting beliefs are often symptoms of a hunger deficit. When you're genuinely hungry for a goal, dream, or vision, obstacles become mere speed bumps on your journey—you do whatever it takes, and nothing stands in your way. Reflecting on my own experiences, the periods where I was at the top of my game, crushing it, and feeling the most vibrant and energized were undeniably the times when I was fueled by an intense hunger for more.
How to Ignite Your Passion: Picture this: You're famished, and the mere sight of food makes you even hungrier. Apply the same principle to your goals and dreams. Surround yourself with the things you desire, immerse yourself in the company of like-minded individuals, and seek inspiration from role models. Exposing yourself to these elements acts as fuel, intensifying your hunger and propelling you towards your aspirations with an unstoppable force. After all, it's the insatiable hunger that transforms dreams into reality.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the uncharted waters of a new year, it's essential to acknowledge the role that simple systems play in maintaining focus and purpose. In the grand tapestry of life, simplicity often holds the key to sustainability and lasting change.
These simple habits are not mere tools; they are companions on the journey towards self-discovery and intentional living. By incorporating these practices into your routines, you can create a roadmap that not only helps you navigate the daily challenges but also ensures you stay aligned with your long-term visions, and create momentum towards achieving your goals.
💬 Share Your Rituals: What's your favorite routine, exercise, or ritual for creating momentum and making progress towards your goals? Join the conversation in the comments below!
