Today’s topic: Goals and Planning

As you enjoy your holiday season, it is natural to reflect over the past year and to look forward to the next. Create some quiet moments to set goals and plans for the new year. This also helps with that feeling of a let down after the holidays are over, you will know what your next move is and have something to look forward to.

You have experienced some terrific moments and achievements this year, and the new year has the potential for you to truly take giants steps forward and achieve the goals you set. But did you know, according to Forbes, only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions? It is possible that you could be part of the 8%, but chances are that you have set some resolutions or goals – maybe even the same goals – year in and year out without achieving them. Don’t  give up. I have a way to approach the new year that will up the odds of you truly doing what you want to do in the new year.

First, take time to celebrate your achievements. I know you have some and probably some really amazing ones. Lift your champagne or sparkling cider glass and give yourself a toast. Write out a list of your major accomplishments. Cheers to you! Celebrations are important, they increase your energy vibration.

Next, reflect on what did not happen for you. What were some of the goals that remained just out of reach? Let all of the emotions surface without beating yourself up. Acknowledge how you feel. Are you angry? sad? frustrated? resigned? exhausted? Let yourself have those feelings.

Then let go. Light a candle. Take  deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Close your eyes. Imagine all the residue from the year lifting off you like a mist and floating up into the sky and transforming  into a beautiful light. After giving yourself time to appreciate this image. Blow out your candle. Let go. You are symbolically ready to go move into the New Year.

Now it is vision time. Imagine it is Jan 1, of not this coming year, but the year after.  Reflect back over 2017 on all of your accomplishments like they happened already. Write them down like they occurred in the past. Example, “It is Jan 1, 2018 and as I look back over 2017, I am amazed and in awe that I…. and I traveled to …., the trip was magnificent. I remember when I first landed at the airport…. ” and so on. When you write  in past tense as if something has already happened, there is more power in it. It creates the feeling of “a sure” thing.

We reminisce all of the time- why not use it to your powerful advantage?

Finally,  commit to taking inspired action steps related to your vision every day.

Here are some top tips for success and happiness  in the New Year.

• Practice a daily journaling habit  and write about positive things.
• Be grateful every day- create an appreciate list every day.
• Meditate/pray every day.
• Exercise 4 to 6 days a week- doing what you love- move your body.
• Learn something new every day.
• Track your progress, write down wins that show you are moving forward.
• Give generously and receive generously.
• Play every day. Have fun
• Love every day- including yourself.
• Be kind and gentle with yourself and others.

If some of these habits seem overwhelming, remember that willpower is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets and the easier it gets.  If you start a habit it and practice it for a month, you are highly likely to make it a permanent change. If you practice it for three months, you are almost guaranteed to make a permanent change.

If you like this, you will love my free Ring in the New Year Coaching Call December 27- Click Here and be sure to add to your calendar. There will also be a replay, too.

If you want to deepen your work on your goals, I have my Impact Mastermind coming up Jan 18. Save the date and get more info here. You can save with the early bird discount.

Note: Today is Day 6 of 12 Days of Christmas on my blog. This has become an annual tradition and I love doing it. Each day, now through Dec 17, I will feature an article that will help you celebrate the season, achieve your goals, and maintain your inner peace. On December 23, I will be announcing a $50 Amazon gift card winner based on all of the comments on the blog between Dec 5 and Dec 17. You will be entered one time for each comment. You could be entered in the drawing up to 12 times.

I would love to hear your thoughts on setting goals, please comment below.

Sheri Kaye Hoff

Coach, Trainer, and Author, Sheri Kaye Hoff, is a Business Coach known for inspiring massive action and a catalyst for personal and business growth, joy, and profits in a way that is fun, relaxing, and fulfilling, Sheri inspires people to do the work they love and make more money. Sheri helps business owners and professionals to relax into success. She uses both spiritual and practical techniques to obliterate blocks and create dramatic change. She is a business, leadership, happiness, and inner game expert. She has overcome nearly dying, and the loss of her brother at an early age. She has made it her life mission to discover the keys to happiness and success and then share them with her clients and community. Learn More About Sheri