on Brand New Years and the Truth About Making Changes in Your Life

A New Year is upon us and traditionally we see it as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, create new habits and start fresh. It’s one of the reasons we are drawn to creating goals, resolutions and intentions this time of year – because everyone else is doing it. I’ve witness how the collective energy of all these goals and intentions out there in the world can help us along the path of creating change in our lives. Brand new years can be the path to create great changes in our worlds.

If you are called to create a list of wishes or goals, choose a touchstone or word for the year, and ritually say goodbye to ways of living that aren’t congruent to who you desire to be in this world, then I am right here beside you cheering you on and praying that your deepest desires come into your reality.

As a coach, of course I write about the New Years and Resolutions because it’s one of the topics people want to read about.

I don’t set resolutions, but I do channel that concept into goals each year.

You may be here because you want to get clear about what you really desire for the coming year and are interested in snagging my annual Word of the Year book (you can grab it with the link below). A word of the year can help you create changes in your life because it helps you hone your focus.

But let me say this…

Don’t let the pressure and context of “New Year, New Me” pressure you into jumping on the bandwagon.

Just because “everyone” is making resolutions. Or setting goals doesn’t mean YOU have to. Because the truth of the matter is if you want to make changes in your life, you need to come from a space of wanting to make change. New Years or not.

You see, from experience I know that you can choose any day to start fresh. Maybe on January 1st, you aren’t quite ready to figure out what you desire in the coming years of your life. One of the most transformational years of my life was in 2010 and it wasn’t until late March that I finally got clear and chose a Word (Faith) for my year.

And this year? I’m easing into my goals slowly. Using the first couple of weeks of 2024 to rest and dream. Action will come. But I’m not in a rush. Because there is no need to be in a rush.

Here is what I know that works when it comes to making changes – New Years or Any Day.

• • Shed the clutter that’s in the way. Sometimes, it’s literally physical clutter in your home. But it’s also mental clutter and emotional clutter.
  • Get clear about what you really want. Usually it begins with a feeling – how do you desire to feel? What actions would help you get that feeling?
  • Ponder what you desire to experience. Listen to your soul’s need about the mix of comfort and adventure you need.
  • Remember that sometimes you have to decide what you don’t want before you can get really clear on what you do.
  • Don’t be a slave to the calendar. Just because January 1st begins a new calendar year doesn’t mean that you have to begin to change your life in dozens of ways.
  • Yet, don’t let fear rule you. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to seizing your life by the horns. If you’re not quite sure what you want in 2024, give yourself the time and space to decide. But when you get those little whispers of the heart, listen!
  • Get to know yourself. Awareness will never steer you wrong.
  • Stop choosing goals based on what the outside world demands. You’ll never be satisfied with creating – or reaching – goals based on what you think will make others happy. For example….It isn’t about losing weight so that you look like a model, but taking exquisite care of the one body you’ve been given in this life.
  • Choose one or two big goals to work towards. Anything beyond 4 goals scatters your focus and will leave you feeling frustrated, confused, and stalled.
  • When you get clear on a couple of big desires, be willing to break down those desires into very tiny actions. Miniscule progress towards your dreams brings them into your reality.
  • Make sure your goals are truly congruent with how you desire to live your life.
  • Do the work. Be willing to get vulnerable, work hard, and get uncomfortable. Don’t expect to simply manifest your desires. Get your hands dirty.
  • Get some damned help and accountability. Whether you hire a coach, join a mastermind, or set up a buddy system with your best friend, remember that you do not have to go it alone.
  • Don’t forget that while you are working towards your big dreams, that the bulk of your time is spent in the day to day living. Find ways to love your daily life. And make space in your daily life to work towards your desires.
  • Take better care of yourself. Put quality foods into your body. Drink lots of water. Move your body. Get adequate sleep.
  • New Years is indeed a time ripe with opportunity. Seize it but don’t believe that passing January 2nd without clarity means you need to wait for 2025 to create change in your life.

I have so much deep faith that you can bring your dreams into reality.

I have witnessed it time and again within my own life and the lives of clients and friends. Just know that even if you aren’t ready right in this moment to set those big dreams and goals, you haven’t missed your time. In fact, you can choose today as the first day of your life of difference.

From the bottom of my heart, I am wishing you a bountiful and beautiful 2024 . Know that no matter what you desire – or when you desire it – I’ll be here cheering you on.

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Choosing a word of the year can help you be happier in 2024.

A Guiding Light for 2024: Discover Your Word of the Year.

Here’s what you’ll find in A Guiding Light for 2024: Discover Your Word of the Year.

• • In Part One, you’ll take a look back as you Bid Farewell to 2023.
  • You’re invited to look ahead to 2024and begin to breathe life into your desires as you explore Part Two.
  • In Part Three, you’ll review a list of more than 1000 words and begin pondering what Word (or words) is right for YOU in 2024.
  • To help you gain clarity, Part Four provides you with a series of tools to help you gain clarity around the best Word to serve as a touchstone to serve as your companion through your journey in 2024.
  • In Part Five, you’ll Declare Your Word (or Words) of 2024.

I’ve also added two Bonus section to help you you create a more nourishing year.

Bonus One explores Ways to Work with Your Word of the Year. This section suggests a dozen ways to help seal your Word…and more than a dozen journal prompts to continue to check-in with your Word throughout 2024.

Bonus Two is an invitation to dive into your emotions. There, I’ll share how you can use your emotions for good. And as a path and process for creating days that are more nourished. And satisfying.

Get your FREE Copy of this powerful workbook: A Guiding Light for 2024: Discover Your Word of the Year.

>>Want to read more tips on how to love your life? Click here!<<