The wide open possibilities of a new year bring inspiration and motivation along with the feeling of regenerated energy and vitality. This year we look at some meaningful goals to set for yourself to find inner wellness and peace. I’m not suggesting that we master an entire life overhaul, but more to work out what the changes are that would denote overall benefit to ourselves as a whole. Consider your mindset, are you nervous, anxious or stressed? Do you feel uncomfortable with any parts of your life that could be altered for the better?
Here’s my take on how to set realistic and holistic goals for 2020.
When to start:
Perhaps for you, as is true for me, you feel like the seasons are a reflection of the way our bodies function and act. In winter time we naturally tend to hibernate more, in terms of life goals and changes it is the moment for consideration rather than action. Thinking deeply and reflecting on our true feelings, self-development, and asking any questions that may need answering. So if we take the time, during this season, to contemplate any changes we would like to make, to set our holistic goals, we can then take the following season to “spring” into action. The turn of the weather, the flood of procreation, the blossoming, are all signs which are naturally instilled within us if we tap into the rhythm of our surroundings. Allow winter to prepare you for spring, make your plans, set your goals and then begin the process of making them a reality once you’ve taken the time to outline them properly. I find rushing into becoming a whole new you on the first of January a very tall task, one that puts added pressure and stress, and generally results in an unnatural attempt or even failure, to achieve things which actually may not even be the changes you really wish to attain.
First identify your personal goals:
Learn from last year’s mistakes, mishaps, and of course successes. Look inside and ask yourself all the necessary questions to find out what you want to continue working on, eradicate, add, or change about life as a whole. Where will you direct your energy this year?
Make your plans:
Be realistic about a time frame or the amount of time you’ll dedicate to each thing on your list. Look into each area of life and consider how much more or less time you spend on each, and make a note of both. Some examples of considerations are exercise, work, relationships, spirituality, wellness, mindfulness, meditation, education, cooking, self-care, laughing with friends, etc. Reflect on each part that you note down and consider which, if any, need to be worked on to make you happier. Think of it as checking in on your inner being and seeing how it is. Set yourself a new level for any elements which you wish to work on and keep a record of this.
Follow them through:
If you have decided that, for example, you want to spend more time with your partner doing things you both enjoy, you’ll need to make a list of what those things are and a time and place to make them a reality. This may mean, if like so many of us you have a busy lifestyle, that you’ll have to “do diaries” as my very organised mother has always done. You make a moment for you and your partner to sit down, find openings in your calendar, and make dates. It is an invaluable way to help ensure that you execute your holistic goals effectively. This can apply to all of the possible changes you wish to incorporate.
Reassess:
Nothing flows as gospel, we have to keep an eye on our progress within any situation and so when it comes to achieving new goals we have to ensure we track our movements and outline whether we are moving in the right direction. It isn’t a negative to have to reshuffle and change, we just need to gauge and monitor whether our progress is going the way we prefer. If it isn’t we can alter it and that is still part of our forward intention, we needn’t feel disheartened, rather even more inspired that we are getting to know our own dos and don’ts.
Bottom line:
Whatever your holistic goals, they’re yours and yours alone. There are many parts which may be shared but in the end it is you that is the one you are trying to please. The main point is that you find out what they are, try your best to reach them and make sure that reaching them doesn’t overwhelm and distract you from the rest of it! There’s no rush, there’s no stress – just your own path and timeline to your very own mindfulness. And don’t forget to tune in to the environment, especially the seasons to coincide with your direction.
