Rethinking New Years Resolutions
Some advice and guidance as you move into 2022.
I’m slowly moving back into some work this week after a very refreshing break over Xmas. I hope you too have managed to take some time to replenish and connect with the special people in your life.
It’s that time of year again, where there’s lots of chat about resolutions and goals and intentions for the year. There’s some subtle pressure that can come with this, so first off I just want to say, don’t feel like you have to have your whole year sorted out by now.
It takes me a full month (at least) to connect with what feels important in the year ahead. I’m often doing some of my visioning practices in Feb.
It’s summer, spend the time outside. Do the things you love and connect with the people that are important to you.
Clarity comes when we are present - when we’re allowing ourselves to flow with life, when we’re enjoying what’s in front of us. It’s not just something we land on when we’re sitting down with a journal or year planner.
Any point in the year is a good time to be setting goals or intentions, so if you’re not feeling it right now - trust that you’ll connect with clarity in the timing that is right and perfect for you.
Some people find that the new year is a time that clarity arrives, other people experience this around their birthday, or a change of season.
Secondly, if you’re in planning and visioning mode, take some time to look at the place you’re approaching this from.
We can come up with new goals or intentions which on the surface may seem positive, inspiring or exciting…but underneath the message we are saying to ourselves is….“If I achieve this, I'll be able to feel better about myself.”
Fitness and health, money, career achievements goals….can all be unconsciously created from this limiting belief - that by achieving them, somehow we'll be perceived as a better person, we’ll be more worthy or good enough.
So when you go to set your intentions for the year, ask yourself:
“Do I want to achieve this because I feel it will give me something I’m missing right now?” (i.e. yours or others acceptance and approval).
Allow yourself to really sit with the question - “Why is this important to me?”
When we approach our intention setting from this wounded place, we inevitably end up self sabotaging or losing steam only a few weeks later.
The most underrated way to create a truly aligned direction from yourself this year (and commit to it) is to know that nothing that you achieve or do this year, will make you a better person.
When you approach your goals and intentions from this place, you tap into a lasting form of commitment and momentum.
Choose to give yourself your own acceptance, praise and validation right now, from where you are, before anything has changed.
When we feel full from our own acceptance….
This is the place where new ideas are derived
This is the place that inspired action comes from
This is the place where commitment & motivation resides
Some Resources To Help You
Journal Prompts
What would you be prioritising this year if you already knew you were enough and you had nothing to prove?
What would be important to you? What would feel nourishing? What would no longer be a priority?
Steep Your Soul Podcast Episode 1 - “How To Fully Commit To The Changes You Want”
I recommend checking out Episode 1 on my podcast Steep Your Soul. It's an oldie but a goodie and by far the most popular episode!
You’ll learn some simple practices to tap into a lasting form of commitment that will support you in achieving what you desire in the year ahead.
This episode is a fantastic companion as you move into the new year.
Have a listen on my website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google podcasts (wherever you like to listen).
Are you looking to rise into 2022?
I have a range of 1:1 offerings to support you.Click the link below to learn more.