How you start something new matters. You have three options: 1. you can do it the same old way you did it before, 2. you can decide to change it completely or 3. you can introduce something new next to the old and see what happens.

Our default is option 1 because if we are honest with ourselves, we want option 2 yet it scares us to think about changing our ways. Plus, to be honest again, we haven't changed our ways because we don't know how to change them. We all have the inspiration and good intention to choose differently next time, but we lack the external guidance on how to do that successfully. Our motivation to not fail, to not embarrass ourselves and to not appear weak by asking for help is a potent vaccine that is keeping us immune from change.

Thus for those brave, curious and courageous souls who are a little bit like me - a little bit weird, a little bit of a dreamer and a bunch more of a rebel inside - I want to share with you how I introduced option 3 into my life and how since then it keeps paying dividends every year. And who doesn't like dividends?

It's A Two-Part Process

It's a two-part process. First, I sit down and reflect on the past year. Second, I visualize about the new year.

As I begin, for me the key is to put myself in the space between knowing and not knowing. That is my space where everything is filled with curiosity, creativity and kindness.

I choose my mindset. I tell myself I am inviting The Past Year to dinner and I will have a great time getting to know my guest.

I choose my intention. This process is important for me and whatever will show up while reviewing and reflecting on my past year, I intend to do it with self love and a heaping tablespoon of self forgiveness.

I choose my space. Ever since I learned about sensory intelligence (https://sensoryintelligence.com/) I lean into creating an environment, aka my space, for each kind of work I want to do. In this space I write, in that space I reflect and in that space I listen. I also have a space where my daughter and I have dance parties! (Being a parent is fun work.)

Let's start with the past year.

The Past Year - The Steps

7. This Is What My Last Year Was About. I go through my calendar. I search and write down the important projects and significant events. Using these 7 areas I write down how I've chosen to spend my time: Personal Life, Family; Career, Studies; Friends, Community; Hobbies, Vacation, Creative Time; Health, Physical Fitness; Health, Mental & Emotional Fitness; and Habits, Behaviors That Define Me.

6. Six Sentences and Six Questions. I finish these sentences about my past year: The biggest surprise of the year... The biggest risk I took... The biggest lesson I learned... The wisest decision I made... The most important thing I did for others... The biggest thing I created. I answer these questions about my past year: What are you most proud of? Who are the 3 people who influenced you the most? Who are the 3 people you influenced the most? What were you not able to accomplish? What is the best thing you discovered about yourself? What are you the most grateful for?

5. The Best Moments. I describe the greatest and most memorable moments from last year. What made the moment memorable? How did I feel? What was I doing? Who was there with me? Where was I? What kind of smells, sounds or tastes do I remember? 

4. Three Biggest. Three biggest accomplishments: I list my three greatest accomplishments from last year. What have I done to achieve these? Who helped me achieve these successes? And how? Three biggest challenges: I list my three biggest challenges from last year. Who helped me overcome them? What helped me overcome them? What have I learned about myself while overcoming these challenges?

3. Forgiveness & Letting Go. Forgiveness: Did anything happen during the past year that still needs to be forgiven? Deeds or words that made me feel bad? Or am I angry with myself? I write it down. Part of selfcare is to forgive ourselves. If I don’t feel ready to forgive yet, I note it down anyway. It can work wonders. Letting go: Is there anything else I need to say? Is there anything else I must let go of before I can start my next year? I draw or write it, think about it and then let it all go.

2. The Book/Movie Of My Past Year. A book or a movie was made about my past year. What title would I give it? What kind of movie would it be? Who would be the main character?

1.The Past Year In Three Words. What three words would describe my past year? I share these three words with three friends.

I have just finished the first part. I take a deep breath and I get some rest and a hot tea.

The next day I start with part two.

The Year Ahead - The Steps

7. Dare To Dream Big. What does the year ahead of me look like? What will happen in an ideal case? Why will it be great? I write, draw, let go of my expectations and dare to dream.

6. This Is What My Year Is About. I take a look at the 7 areas of my life and decide my goals for each of them for the next year. I put those goals on a piece of paper - this is the first step towards realizing them. Areas: Personal Life, Family; Career, Studies; Friends, Community; Hobbies, Vacation, Creative Time; Health, Physical Fitness; Health, Mental & Emotional Fitness; and Habits, Behaviors That Define Me.

5. Magical Triplets For The Year Ahead. These three things I will love about myself... I am ready to let go of these three things... These three things I want to achieve the most... These three people will be my pillars during rough times... These three things I will dare to discover... These three things I will have the power to say no to... These three things I will make my surroundings cozy with... These three things I will do every morning... These three things I will treat myself to regularly... These three places I will visit... I will connect with my loved ones in these three ways... With these three gifts I will reward my achievements...

4. Six Sentences About My Next Year. This year I will not procrastinate any more on... This year I will draw the most energy from... This year, I will be the bravest when... This year I will say yes when... This year I advise myself to... This year will be special for me because...

3. My Word For The Year Ahead. I pick a word to symbolize and define the year ahead. I can look at this word if I need some extra energy, so I remember not to give up my dreams.

2. Secret Wish. I unleash my mind. What is my secret wish for the next year?

1.Date & Sign. I set my mindset to 'I believe anything is possible this year'. I write it down, date, sign it and I am done.

Time to go for a walk, dance to my favorite song or watch a movie. Or do them all.

You can choose to start your new year differently, too.

Resource I used: Year Compass, https://yearcompass.com/en/