Prepare for 2022
There are less than two weeks until 2022. There is a tendency to want to use January 1st and the New Year to make giant changes in our lives, which usually sets us up for failure. However, as we wrap up this year and look towards next, it can be helpful to spend some time intentionally thinking about what we did and created in 2021 and what we want for 2022. Below are some of my favorite ways to head into the new year - I just did these last weekend and found them to be very helpful. Bring it on 2022!
Spend some time thinking about 2021. It was a weird year. But I would still recommend that you think about and write down some things about this year. Focus on the good, the bad, what you learned, and what you want to leave behind in 2021. It doesn’t have to be a long exercise, this can be done in 15-20 minutes.
Pick a word for 2022. This is one of my favorite things to do for the new year. This is especially great if you do not want to create a bunch of resolutions or goals. You pick one word (or phrase) that encapsulates what you want to focus on in 2022 and is a yearlong intention for yourself. Some examples of words - joy, expansion, change, peace, hopeful, creativity, ease, courage, passion, thrive, abundance, growth, love, adventure, connection, presence, possibilities, action, excitement, open, transformation. Anything that resonates with you!
Where do you want to be this time next year? Close your eyes and spend a few minutes imagining that it is this time next year. Think about all the things that you want to create and do. Where you want to be and who you want to be with. After you have this vision, grab a notebook and write down all the details about where you will be in December of 2022 (you can also leave yourself a voice note). Make sure that you write or speak in the present tense. It is fun to go back a year later and read/listen to and see what came true.
Create action steps. Whether you are creating specific goals or more broad intentions, in order to maximize success, you will also need to take specific actions to move towards those goals and intentions. These are the real life, daily/weekly steps you can take to accomplish what you want. They will continue to build on one another and change throughout the year. For example, I created both 6 month and 12 month goals and intentions and then did monthly action steps for January. I will continue to update my action steps each month.
Find an accountability partner. One of the best ways to help ensure success is having an accountability partner. It also makes the process a lot more fun! They can help keep you on track, provide encouragement when it inevitably gets hard, and celebrate the wins with you. One of my friends and I started this last year and it was one of the highlights of my year - we chat weekly and check in on our progress, brainstorm solutions, and provide feedback and support.
Check in regularly. Do not just set your intentions/goals and forget about them for a year. Look at them regularly, celebrate your progress, notice roadblocks, and update any outdated goals/intentions. The first of every month can be the perfect time to check in and update as needed.
Here is to a wonderful 2022!
