Article posted on 12/17/2023

Many of us plan our goals each year at the beginning of each year but why wait till the beginning of the year, when you can start planning now. Instead of rushing to recycle some of the same old goals by rewriting or rephrasing them into new goals. You may ask, how do you start preparing? I am going to share with you this guide to help you get started. The first thing you must do is to create a list. Yes, a list! A list of what you want or need more in your life for next year. As well as a list to create less of what you don’t want in your life for next year. Hope it makes sense. It sounds a bit paradoxical, but it works. By simply using this guide and exercise, it will help you prepare your goals for this coming year. Trust me this guide will embark you in a journey of self-discovery by providing you with the tools that will not only help you to create more of what you want or need but also evaluate what you don’t want and create less of it through self-awareness. So, let’s get started.

More of what you want….

First, I would like to recommend creating a list sort of like a pros and cons list. And in this list you are going to write down what you want more of for next year. It is recommended to write at least 9 things for each section that you want more for the next year and write down pros and cons. The next step is to break it down into the 5 top priorities of what you want to create more. This exercise will allow you to see possibilities rather than looking at them as an obstacles or like barriers in achieving thus creating unneeded stress. For each of 5 top priorities you will break down each with 5 actions steps that will help you create more of what you want. See illustration below

More of

Top priority 1.

“I want to create more time with family”

Action steps:

1. Prepare a weekly activity for the whole family to participate in

2. Set aside time about 1 hour for each per person individually

3. Follow a weekly schedule for chores

4. Prepare meals 2x a week before the next day to create free time

5. Plan a family vacation

Less of what you don’t want……

You will follow the same directions from the prior list to create less of what you don’t want for next year. Create the same type of list of the things that you want less of for next year. Think it through, it is like going through your closet and separating the clothes that you don’t want and the clothes that you will keep. Then decide on what you are going to do with them; will you donate or sell them? In the very same way, you are creating this list, again, Again, creating a list of pros and cons for the list that you want less of. It is recommended to write at least 9 items for each section that you want less of for the next year and write down pros and cons. The next step is to break it down into the 5 top priorities of what you want to create less. For each of 5 top priorities you will break down each with 5 actions steps that will help you create less of what you don’t want. This will help you narrow it down into a commitment of creating less of what you don’t want. See illustration above

Less of

Top priority 1.

“Less worrying”

Action steps:

1. Prepare a list of things that I do not bring me joy or calm

2. Write down how much time I spend on unproductive things activities

3. Lack of time for self-care

4. Not enough time doing things I genuinely enjoy

5. Always busy no time alone to refresh and unwind

This is how the goals will look like for less worrying.

Top priority 1

“Less worrying”

Action Steps:

1. Prepare a list of things that bring me joy and calm

2. Set aside 1 hour each day for exercise

3. Follow a schedule of self-care

4. Take time each day to do something I enjoy

5. Plan some time alone to refresh and unwind

The purpose of this guide is to….

This guide will help you see the difference between what you want more of and what you want less off. Are you ready to be challenged in creating less of what you don’t want and more of what you want? Another way is to compare and contrast each one and ask yourself what makes me feel full or what makes me feel empty? Or better yet, what robs you of your energy or what brings you energy. Whichever one you choose to work with, it help you in creating a balance of the things that you want more of in your life and the things that you want to decrease in your life. You would not want to do something that does not fill you with energy or to do more of it. If it’s not bringing you growth then It’s time to let go of it. This guide will help you narrow it down to what you really want to accomplish next year. Then lastly, think it thoroughly by asking yourself “is this what I really want?” Because if you are not passionate about or are still questioning is this really what I want? Or if you lack motivation and commitment towards accomplishing when you put it on paper then it’s telling you that it’s not moving you enough in action. 

Motivating quote….

There is a quote by Mark Twain that states “I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is I can’t find anybody who can tell me what they want.” This quote can be found in www.goodreads.com. This is a great question to start pondering on because it incites critical thinking. We must evaluate deep down on what is it that you want? What is it that you truly need or want more off or what is it that you truly need or want less off. And ask yourself how can I create more of it, what brings me a spark of energy and what does not. Keep in mind if something does not create a positive experience for you, you will not feel like it is important to work on it. Then move unto the next one. The same with creating less if you feel a certain degree of freedom in knowing that you are going to create less of it, then you are in the right track. Now, the question to you is; “What do you want more or less off this coming year that will help you create more time for yourself, bring you more energy and help you feel better accomplished. It’s time to start.. clock is ticking till January; you have time to be prepared! Let’s do this!

By Claribel Coreano, MS. Transformational Life Coach

Free images: www.freepik.com

Resources:

1. www.goodreads.com