The List
What did you achieve this year? What are you super proud of? How did you shine? Are you feeling fulfilled and joyful? Or are you wondering what exactly happened to the past 12 months? Either way I am here to offer an inspirational exercise which I hope will help you to make 2018 your best year yet AND allow you to enjoy the last few weeks of 2017.
This time of year often finds us feeling scattered and overwhelmed, perhaps questioning our progress in life. Inner chaos leads to outer chaos and we often fly through December consuming taxing foods and drinks and stressing our bodies with strange sleep patterns. Wouldn't you rather BE PRESENT FOR THE FINAL FEW WEEKS OF 2017 AND STEP INTO 2018 WITH A CLEAR VISION FOR YOURSELF? I know that’s what I want.
This might sound like a January post, but I say, let’s do this now. I think the timing is perfect! Let’s look at that crazy list in our heads so we can enjoy time with our families and friends being truly present and joyful.
If you begin to read and think “ugh, this is SO basic”, ask yourself if you are really, truly doing it. Let’s dive in...
BEGIN with a blank piece of paper and make a list of everything (and I mean ALL THE THINGS) flying around your brain, things you think you need to get done, things that you would like to achieve over the next 12 months. Do this for 10 minutes. Do not stop to edit yourself. Open up and dream big. Get out of your own way and let yourself be free with your words.
If you need some inspiration, you could start with “wouldn't it be great if…” and then write WHATEVER it is that comes into your mind. If it is easier you could also divide the list into categories;
- SELF How do I want to develop or improve my health, self care, fitness, mindset, finances, creativity?
- RELATIONSHIPS How can I improve my relationships? What adventures do I want to share this year? How can I take more time and be focused with people?
- BUSINESS/CAREER What projects or goals do I want to work on? Do I want to ask for a raise? Launch a new project? Study for a new role?
Now it is time to EDIT. Think of this list as an overgrown garden that you need to weed and prune to really give space for strong growth. To give focus to the projects that really matter. You want to whittle it down a potent few rather than a scattered many.
Ask the questions; What goal will have the most impact in my life? Who do I really want to become over the next 12 months? How will I benefit mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially? What about my family, my friends, my community?
Also EDIT OUT ANYTHING THAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL YOURSELF. Remember, you can’t control other people’s actions, but you can control where your energy goes and it should not be with trying to force the hand of somebody else. Focus on what you can do.
Go through your list again and PUT A LINE THROUGH ANYTHING YOU FEEL OBLIGATED TO DO, anything you feel you should be doing but that you don’t really need or truly want to do. Strike them off knowing that if they keep popping into your mind they could return to the list in the future, but for now, clear them away.
What you have left is a CONDENSED LIST OF WHERE YOU SHOULD BE DEVOTING YOUR TIME AND ENERGY.
Now it is time to ask yourself; Who do I need to become to make these things happen? How will I need to develop my character traits? What habits do I need to drop? What rituals do I need to step up? What skills will I need to work on?
At this point, less is definitely more! Once you are here it is time to prioritize and schedule. Under each goal begin to sketch out steps, tiny or giant, that will bring you closer to achieving your dream. In other words, STEP INTO ACTION! Keep in mind that any project asking you get out of your comfort zone is going to be way more rewarding than something that asks for no stretching and growing. Yes, sometimes it may be uncomfortable, but keep your vision in mind and put one foot in front of the other.
An important part of this exercise is to KEEP YOUR VISION IN MIND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Set reminders to check in with your list every three months, update your progress, continue to plan. MAKE IT HAPPEN!
I hope you will give this a try! Let me know how it goes, leave a message below!
Happy list making!