No New Year’s resolutions here! They don’t work.
Rather something more proven…reflect briefly on 2019 and from there, create your goals, vision and intentions for 2020.
For the people that need to know why and how this works:
Reflecting and developing the skill of reflecting, will contribute to a growth mindset, which is linked to greater achievement (see research by Dr Carol Dweck). Neuroscience now confirms that the brain can evolve and change, old dogs can learn new tricks, if we learn and practice new things including new thought processes. Reflection is a means of learning in a practical, tangible way – within your work and life situation.
Reflecting also allows us to celebrate ourselves, the more we appreciate our good qualities and characteristics the more we use them and further strengthen them. Acknowledging our strengths builds our self-confidence and self-belief, which can be drawn upon in times of uncertainty and overwhelm.
Reflection also allows us to know ourselves better and self-awareness is the cornerstone of creating the life you want, having better relationships and being more fulfilled.
2019 Reflections: List at least 3 answers to each question.
- What from 2019 am I proud of? Think of all aspects of your life.
- What were my happiest, most satisfying and memorable moments?
- What were my disappointments, frustrations or regrets?
- What achievements am I celebrating?
- What qualities, skills and strengths within ME lead to those achievements? (I start every coaching session with the question what do you have to celebrate about yourself? – I often get answers that are actually achievements, so we drill down into what about the client made those achievements happen.)
- What do I need or want to let go of from the past year? This could be a regret, a self-criticism, a forgiveness needed (of yourself or another).
- What are my learnings from 2019?
2020 Vision
Often, it’s helpful to start at the end of the year, imagine it’s December 31st, 2020 and look back on the year. What will you have wanted the year to be? What would make it the most fulfilling and successful year?
- What do I want more of in my life? Think of all aspects – financial, relationships, health, emotion, social, work, fun, creative, spiritual.
- What would make my life richer, more satisfying and fulfilling?
- What do I want less of in my life? These are things you’ll want to minimize, get rid of or change your mindset about.
- What insights, aha’s (learnings), and milestones do I want to have?
- Who do I want to become? How do I want to feel? Just note what comes up, don’t overthink it, there might be clues from the 2019 reflection exercise.
- What are my top 3 personal goals/wants for the coming year?
- What are my top 3 professional goals for 2020? Often, clients think these questions are easier than the previous, more existential, ones.
What’s your vision for yourself in 2020 given what you’ve learned from 2019?
If you want support in doing this exercise to truly impact your life or to help you live the 2020 you want, contact me at anne@directions-coaching.com.
