Every year on December 31st, I look back at my year and evaluate what I accomplished, what goals are still pending, things I’m proud of and things not so proud of, people who are still close to me and those who are no longer around, my financial situation, my living situation, my spiritual growth, and my career. I have an excitement for each new year, and the possibilities and opportunities that it will bring, the new people I will meet, and the things I will accomplish. So, as we welcome 2015, here are a few tips for those of us who have BIG DREAMS to accomplish before December 31st, 2015!
Actions Speak Louder than Words!
Nikol’s Noble New Year Notes:
- Create a goal list – Create goals for the following categories: Finances, Spirituality, Social/Relationships, Professional/Economic, Physical. Don’t just set a goal to “lose weight”, be specific about how much weight you want to lose, specific measurements or a goal weight. Also, give tentative timelines in when you would like these goals to be accomplished. Be realistic! Don’t set yourself up for failure by creating hearty goals with little chance of accomplishment. Review your goal list often to keep it on the forefront of your mind, and take action daily towards one or more of those goals.
- Create a vision board – Many of us are visual creatures, and pictures help us to envision ourselves as successful. Grab a poster board from your local drug store, or cardboard from a box in the garage, and create a vision board using images of goals you’d like to accomplish, or items you want to own using clippings from magazines, newspapers, etc. Feel free to put whatever you want on your vision board: cars, homes, checks made out to your name, business ventures, the logo of the company that you are applying to work for, etc. You know what it means to you when you look at it. Place your vision board in a spot that is easily visible to you, so that you can be reminded of your goals each day. Take action daily towards one or more of the goals pictured on your vision board.
- Mirror Memos – We all look in the mirror daily applying makeup, brushing our teeth, checking out our outfit, etc. This daily mirror time can be used for self-empowerment and motivation as well! Use dry-erase markers, post-it notes, lipstick, etc. to jot notes on your mirrors. These notes can be reminders of things to do that day, affirmations, or even spiritual/religious scripture/quotes. Say these things out loud to yourself each day, and take action to do and/or be that which you’ve listed.
- Think & Speak Positively – Many of you may be familiar with all of the new age teachings regarding positive thinking and speaking. I’m a believer of the Bible, and these principles are also Biblical: “As a man thinketh, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7) … “You shall have what you say” (Mark 11:23). Therefore, think on those things that you wish to accomplish in your life, and only speak positively towards their manifestation. You shall have what you say, so if you are saying, “I can’t afford…”, then you won’t. If you are saying, “I can and will accomplish…”, then you will. Focus on the positive aspect of things, even in negative situations. Don’t think/say, “I hate this junk car! All it causes is problems!” Take the positive aspect of the situation by focusing on how much you’ll appreciate when you get a newer/better car. It’s not easily done, but it’s possible. It takes training. And you’ll likely have to stop yourself from accepting negative thoughts, and speaking them…I know I do! Negative thoughts lead to negative words, which ultimately bring negative outcomes. Let’s think positively. It’s such a beautiful domino effect! Speak life to yourself daily!
- Have an accountability partner – Some of us need occasional, or even constant encouragement, reminders, support, etc. Connect with a like-minded friend who you can check in with periodically and keep each other accountable to stay on track with your goals. Make sure to share your goals with each other. This person can remind you to speak/think positively. This person can be a voice of encouragement when you’re feeling down. This person can work out with you, or join in on a diet. It helps when you’re not doing it alone, plus you guys can have a celebration outings for every 5 goals accomplished! (feel free to set your own celebration guidelines!)
- Remember the reason – It’s easy to get off track, focusing on so many things as the year progresses. Take time to remember the reason why you set these goals in the first place: health reasons, to provide for your family, to surprise your child, to grow your business, etc. Reminding yourself of these things will help strengthen you to continue when things get tough.
Note: You may not accomplish every goal set for this year, but that’s ok! Don’t get discouraged. Just add those unaccomplished goals to the 2016 goal list. You’re only a failure if you give up.
I hope these tips help you to accomplish much in 2015! Our life is the sum of our own decisions, and we have the power to create the life that we want. Be a go getter! Life is not a rehearsal! Why not live your dreams, and be happy? That’s my goal…
Happy New Year!