Kick some goals this new year!

AS WE approach the New Year, we often find ourselves taking stock of the year that we are leaving behind. How did we do? Did we achieve everything we set out to or did we start well and finish badly? However your year turned out, give yourself a pat on the back… you made it! Now it’s time once again to face a new year full of fresh hope and promise.

Here are some top tips to an organised and successful year ahead:

Brain dump

Grab a pen and paper and write down everything you can think of that is causing you stress, grief, overwhelm and anxiety. List the things you didn’t do last year that you wanted to and all the things you need to do at work and at home. Write it down however it comes out – no need to make a neat list – just get it down on the paper.

Two-pronged attack

Focus on two things that you can do in one week. Choose those tasks that you view as achievable, important and that will take away some of your stress and help bring a sense of relief. Grab a coloured felt tip marker and circle the two tasks.

Action plan

Once you have decided on the ‘what,’ then it’s time to decide on the ‘how.’ List down what you need to do to achieve your two goals.  For example, you might decide you need to see more of your best friend. Easier said than done if you’re working late every night or have too many family commitments. So book a date with your friend and make a commitment to stick to it, even if you have to finish work on time or organise a babysitter. Just do it. Do it once and you’re already on the pathway to carving out a new routine for the year ahead.

Reflect

After you have completed your chosen task, take a moment to reflect how you feel. By reflecting on the positive emotions you feel when you have achieved something you set your mind to, rather than focusing on the way you feel when you don’t complete tasks, you are already laying down new thought pathways, paving the way to setting up new ways of being that can help you achieve more success, more confidence and a greater sense of fulfilment than you had dreamed possible.

Cross it off

Tick or cross off your goal once you have achieved it.