I don’t know about anyone else, but 2023 has been quite a year! The year before (2022) I ended my marriage and moved across an ocean for a fresh start, and, to start this year, I dedicated to go easy on myself and dedicate 2023 to healing – nothing else – and what a healing journey it has been.

I’ve learned so much about myself now that I removed myself from people, places and things that either took away from my peace or just didn’t add any value to it. That decision and process alone was revolutionary for me. It allowed me to finally re-live traumatic events from my past in a way that made sense to me – almost like finally viewing the past from my own lens (as opposed to the lens of others who coincidentally weren’t even there or haven’t experienced anything like I have). I mean, I lived it. They didn’t.

It’s funny to think about that, though. How many of us allow ourselves to be trapped by the opinions of people that have no clue about the things we’ve had to observe, endure and live through? 2023 was about shedding all of the illusions and standing in my authentic truth – warts and all because truly, I’m actually kinda proud to have gone through what I’ve gone through and come out the other side with my peace of mind. I’m humbled that not everyone makes it. This life is a gift and blessing – and I plan to make the absolute most of it (in my small way).

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and plan for the year to come. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or overall happiness, setting goals and making a plan can help you achieve personal success.

Here are some tips and tricks for planning for the new year.

1. Reflect on the past year

Before you can plan for the year ahead, it’s important to reflect on the past year. Take some time to think about the things that went well and the things that didn’t go as planned. What did you learn from your experiences? What would you like to do differently in the coming year?

Reflecting on the past year can help you make more informed decisions moving forward. It also helps to reflect on the people that you spent time with during the year as well. Who helped you most in your professional life? Who added more drama to your life? Who has shown up in your life and become a new friend?

Answering these questions will help you recognize who is meant to move forward with you on your journey and who you may have outgrown. This is not a process in being a terrible person – not at all! In fact, it’s the exact opposite. It’s exercising being a responsible adult by protecting your mental and emotional health and peace so that you can show up each day as the best version of yourself, for yourself. You deserve the best quality experience Life has to offer (and that sometimes means being a little stingy with who has access to your energy).

2. Set realistic goals

When setting goals for the new year, it’s important to be realistic. While it’s great to have big dreams and aspirations, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, break your goals down into smaller, more achievable steps. This will help you stay motivated and make progress towards your goals.

It also helps to categorize your goals. For example, I divide my annual goals into the follow categories: Fitness, Personal and Professional.

Another trick I use for myself is to list 5 goals under each category. So even though I don’t realistically expect to achieve them all, I always tend to achieve the majority, and that’s always been good enough for me. Progress is progress is progress.

3. Create a plan

Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to create a plan. This might include breaking down your goals into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, and creating a schedule. Having a plan in place can help you stay on track and make progress towards your goals.

A great way to do this is by keeping a journey. Click here to find out more about the benefits of keeping a journal and here to find out about my favorite way to journal (i.e. Bullet journaling).

4. Hold yourself accountable

One of the keys to achieving success is holding yourself accountable. This might mean tracking your progress, sharing your goals with a friend or family member, or enlisting the help of a coach or mentor. By holding yourself accountable, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated and make progress towards your goals.

Again, keeping a journal is a great way to not only keep track of your goals, but also provide self-reflection on the journey to achieve those goals. It is also a truly phenomenal way to get to know oneself and one’s development through the journey of achieving one’s goals. Let’s be honest, we set goals to better ourselves and keeping track of how you hold yourself accountable as you achieve your goals is a beautiful way to document your life journey.

5. Focus on self-care

As you work towards your goals, it’s important to prioritize self-care. This might include taking time for yourself each day, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring you joy. When you prioritize self-care, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and stay motivated as you work towards your goals.

What does self-care look like in reality? Well, sometimes it looks like saying “no” when you really don’t feel like doing something (usually your gut/ instinct is steering you away for a reason); other times it looks like you staying home on a Sunday with all technology off and spending the day in bed with your partner, or even spending the day with your family with no distractions. Whatever self-care means to you, all it means is ‘taking care of your inner child’ in a way that is healthy and doesn’t inflict harm on others. Refer to the image below for self-care ideas that might work for you.

6. Be flexible

While having a plan is important, it’s also important to be flexible. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. When this happens, it’s important to be adaptable and adjust your plans as needed. By being flexible, you’ll be better able to navigate challenges and stay on track towards your goals.

This point is critical because it will help you not to put too much pressure on yourself (and subsequently, on others). Life is meant to be enjoyed and the journey of self- and skill- development is meant to be enjoyed as well! Take the time to be nimble in the face of Life’s twists and turns… you just might end up somewhere better than you initially planned.

7. Celebrate your successes

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether you’ve achieved a major milestone or simply made progress towards your goals, take time to acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate your hard work. Celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and inspired as you continue to work towards your goals.

Planning for the new year can be a fun and rewarding process. By reflecting on the past year, setting realistic goals, creating a plan, holding yourself accountable, prioritizing self-care, being flexible, and celebrating your successes, you’ll be well on your way towards achieving your goals and living your best life in the year ahead. What are some of the goals you’re planning to set for yourself next year? Please feel free to share and comment in the comments section. I’d love to hear all about your plans/ goals.

Enjoy!