3 Tips to Making 2022 the Year that Makes a Difference

It’s that time of year where we renew our commitments to old goals…we plan for something different by making resolutions and deadlines. We follow “proven methods” like using SMART goals, we write them down, we put them where we’ll remember them, and 84% of us forget about them! Franklin Covey says that 1/3 of us don’t make it past January.

I love to start the new year with a fresh outlook. I know there isn’t anything specifically miraculous about January 1…but somehow it’s a marker…an annual opportunity to look ahead with new spirit and mindset.

Tip 1 – Honor the Past

From the first time I heard this tip, I have used it consistently – it makes a real difference to consider the past year before I think about the new one. It helps clear out the clutter and helps me to think about what really went well and what I wish I had done differently. First, think about what actually happened each month of the year (I use my calendar since my memory isn’t as good as it used to be!). As I look back, I’m almost always surprised at what I forgot – trips, visits from people, quiet times, fun, sickness….

Next, write down what you are really glad about, proud of, happy or content with – what occurred that was positive? Then, as you think about the past year, consider what you wish had been different. Write it down – did you have disappointments? Or things you intended to do that didn’t happen?

After you honor the past, you can think about next year with a clearer mindset.

Tip 2 – Consider the Coming Year as a Theme, not a To-do list

While I know there is nothing uniquely special about the 12 calendar months of a year, there is something positive about thinking about the year as a phase. Jon Gordon suggests to consider a theme for the year and to choose a word that you shall focus on in the coming year. I love this idea – it helps me to ground myself, center myself around a theme that leads me toward betterment…I don’t assume to know where I’ll be a year from now, and I avoid rigid plans that don’t allow for openness to opportunities. But, I do enter the year with an ideal, a principal, a word, a phrase – a theme. I encourage you to sit with this idea in quiet, meditate, pray, journal, or consider it over a hot cup of coffee as the sun rises or sets. The idea is to let it come to you – don’t push yourself, but allow for the thoughtful space of intention as you think about the coming year.

Tip 3 – Set a few milestones

If we were talking a year from now, what would have happened that made you really happy or content with your progress this year?”

As you think about the compartments of your life, consider the top 3 areas where you want to set goals. Too many goals creates too much distraction. Choose 3 of these areas to focus on : Financial, Social, Emotional, Intellectual, Spiritual, Relational, Parental, Vocational, Avocational. Within each of those 3 areas, choose 1 goal and write it as a SMART goal – be sure it is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. For example, to lose weight is not Specific and Measurable. To lose 10 pounds by December 1 is Specific, Timely (by 12/1), Measurable (10 pounds), Attainable and Relevant to Physical Goals.

Last, be flexible! If we’ve learned anything from 2020 and 2021, it is that we control less than we think and flexibility has to be a core part of our lives in order to move forward. Plans don’t always get met, challenges may appear that blindside us, and life takes turns that we aren’t expecting. But, when you can honor the past, meet the next year with an overarching theme, and set a few milestones, you can be prepared for what might come.

For more information regarding the next year in your personal purpose, click here

Don’t wait – Do something now to make a change for tomorrow. contact Tammy today for your free consultation!