This might sound a little too simplistic for some, but step one into making next year your best year yet is to decree that next year will be YOUR BEST YEAR YET. Since 2014 I’ve gone into the new year knowing that it was going to be my best year yet. And every year has. Every year has had its challenges and this year has certainly been no exception. But every year I have learnt and grown, loved and laughed. The good in every year has outweighed the bad.
Do you want 2020 to be your best year yet? Then only you can make it so. This starts with the belief that it can be so. Then you need to consider what actual things/goals/experiences would make it the best year yet. My goals list will get adjusted throughout the year, as I grow and change as a person, but you need to have something to start with. Some things will be achieved within the year, others might be ongoing items, some will even be parts of future goals. Don’t forget to also include things you don’t want anymore. I goal to stop something negative is hugely powerful. Some people find they don’t want anything new in their lives, but they certainly had deadwood they want to cut away.
How you then action the steps required will depend on what the goal is, but there are some key things everyone needs when trying to have their best year yet.
1. A Good Support System - I believe everyone should cut out toxic people from their lives. Why anyone would want to spend time with some of the people they do is beyond me. They drag you down. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with so be very picky. Yes, this includes family. If they don’t treat you right they do not deserve your time.
2. The 80/20 Rule - If it’s 80% perfect, then it's perfect because 100% perfect doesn’t exist. I’m a perfectionist and it's caused me nothing but grief over the years until I applied the 80/20 rule. This rule helps me find joy in the oddest of places and accept things I cannot change. As far as I am concerned this rule is magical.
3. Evaluation - Constantly evaluating how you are doing is a game-changer and saves so much wasted time. It helps you find faster routes and saves you from hitting dead ends. I love checking in with myself and my goals. You also get to see how far you’ve come, so don’t forget to celebrate those little milestones too.
4. Leave Some Space - In fitness this would be called a rest day. We need them to let our muscles recover and our energy stocks replenish. The same should be said for all areas of life. Allow space around the hard work you are putting into life. You also need rest, relaxation and recovery. I love to colour code my diary so I can see at a glance if I have had enough personal time, family time, fitness time, etc. I am so aware of the fact that I will die one day and sometimes that makes me want to do everything now. But then I won’t enjoy anything, so what’s the point.
5. Know Yourself - Having a grip on how you handle life and what it brings is gold in having your best year yet. Some people thrive in short deadlines (sprinters) some people need accountability buddies, some work best-going solo. Knowing yourself means you can set a plan of action that plays to your strengths and not someone else’s.
If you want some additional inspiration to have your best year yet, then check out our book recommendation of the month - The Happiness Project.
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