New Year Ready!

I don’t know about you, but 2023 has been one heck of a year. It’s gone by way too quickly, and it seems like everyone is racing toward December 31, when we can say, “Out with the old and in with the new!” I think December 31 is too late to make this decision, though. Think about it, if we sit down on December 31 to decide what we want to start doing on January 1, how can we be sure our list is well-planned or even achievable? Planning takes time, which is why I have decided to start now. It’s October, and ever since I started working, I’ve been trained to remember, “All companies finish their budget projections by October.” So, this year, I decided to finish my 2024 life projections by October… or mid-November at the very latest.

I committed to this late summer, and on October 1, I honored my commitment by taking out my journal and favorite ink pen and reflecting. I had an honest conversation with myself about the goals I’d set, the ones I shared boldly with anyone who would listen, the ones I had achieved, and those that never made it to the starting line. Sadly, many of them never saw the light of day. After my time of self-reflection (and short-lived pity party), I decided to assess my goals and answer the question, “What happened?” This too required a level of candor with myself, but I will tell you, it was worth it. I realized that I had fallen into a rut and was just going through the motions of life through 2023. I had lost my fire and couldn’t find my joy. On the outside, things looked great, but on the inside, I realized I had spent the entire year pleasing everyone except myself. What a wonderful awakening.

As I sit here writing these words, I am so proud of myself for taking the necessary steps to plan my 2024. The plan is still a work in progress, but now I know my intentionality is there because I recently said to someone, “I’m starting to feel like my old self again.” I encourage you to take the time now to set your 2024 goals. Have you been yearning to take a vacation but never seem to have the time?  Block that time on your calendar, buy your plane tickets, and book your hotel now. What about that book you were supposed to write or that podcast you said you were going to start? Make that dream a reality in 2024 by devoting time to that special project. Do you miss spending quality time with that special someone, clamor for me-time, or miss your girls’/boys’ nights out? Tap into your inner party planner and organize your next outing.

We can achieve more than our heart’s desire but often let outside influences take us off course. Don’t let this be you in 2024. Chart your course and live your life to its fullest. Don’t wait until December 31 to begin planning for the upcoming year. Once the clock strikes midnight and January 1 arrives, there will be no turning back, and life will be off and running.

You’ve got this. Take out some paper and a pen and get going. It’s all up to you.