Whilst isolating (just for 2 days – I was negative thankfully) during the twixmas period, I got to read a lot of articles and watch a lot of stories that I ordinarily wouldn’t have time to do (every cloud and all that!). As usual for this time of year, I was reading a lot about the New Year and about this period being a time for reflection and planning (which I am all for).
“New Year New Me"?
I always try to steer away from the “New Year New Me” life coaching mantra of the New Year (see previous blog) as I think people can put too much pressure on themselves, resolve to do too much, or do the impossible and then set themselves up for failure, or totally run out of steam. Or making grandiose statements like “This is the year I get rich/get married/get fit/ lose 3 stone etc instead of being more specific and realistic (which in fact are the S and the R of SMART goals, but that’s another blog).
And yes, I know that I have my New Year, New Career webinar each January, but that’s more about exploration, options and planning than saying “This is the year I become a pilot/astronaut etc” – and there is another blog coming about the concept of “Career Change” too!
So, for 2022, I invite you not to make resolutions but to complete a few phrases for yourself starting with…WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF…?
Firstly, this is a positive sounding statement (and yes, I know it is actually a question – but one to which the answer should always be YES!) and it injects some excitement which is good for momentum and motivation.
We should be excited about our goals – otherwise what is the point?
Secondly it opens you up to possibilities, to fun, to success and gets the creative juices flowing more than a question like “What is your New Year’s Resolution?” or “What are your goals for 2022?” or even “What do you want to achieve in 2022?”
Those are hard questions and a bit serious and loaded with resistance and doubt before you even get started - “What if I don’t achieve that”
You are just saying how great it would be if X happened, and how great you would feel if it did.
So, try it and see…
Wouldn’t it be great if I could be happy every day?
Wouldn’t it be great if I could run a 5k?
Wouldn’t it be great if I got a new job?
Wouldn’t it be great if I got a qualification?
Wouldn’t it be great if I had some more energy?
Wouldn’t it be great if I saw more of my family?
Wouldn’t it be great if I got a pay rise?
Wouldn’t it be great if I met someone?
Write down your statements/questions (just a few) and place them somewhere you can see them every day, to remind you of how great it would be.
And regularly ask yourself – what small step can I take today to move me towards that feeling?
It might be something small like going for a walk, starting a gratitude journal, calling someone, dusting of your CV, looking up a course.
Small steps towards greatness.
Welcome 2022 – it’s going to be great!
Or consider signing up for New Year New Career