How I’m Getting The Most Out Of The New Year

How I’m getting the most out of the new year.

“Make your life a masterpiece. Imagine no limitations on what you can be, have and do.” – Brian Tracy.

It’s the start of a new month, new year and new decade! The past year has been full of growth, opportunities, challenges, many highs and many lows. As I reflect on the past year my heart is full of gratitude for all the goodness in my life. And as I think about entering into this new decade, I’m excited for the future.

I always like to take some time out to ask myself important questions and ensure that I’m on track to achieving my goals and dreams. It is also an opportunity for me to understand what has gone well, what hasn’t worked well, and where I can continue to improve.

Here are some of the practices I am putting in place to ensure I get the most out of the new year:

1. REVISITING MY LIFE PLAN

Making time for quiet reflection is something which is really important to me. A couple of years ago, I wrote my 10 year plan for a remarkable life. I revisit my plan at significant dates as well as periodically, to determine how well my goals and dreams and progressing.

My life plan comprises of the most outrageous, limitless plans for the future. I start getting goosebumps when I start seeing some of those outrageous goals starting to come into fruition. That feeling is so powerful and helps keep me stay motivated, when the easy option is to give up.

2. DISCIPLINE & STRUCTURE

If you have been following my blog for a while now, it would be no surprise to you that discipline and structure is incredibly important to me. I follow a strict morning routine, and plan to continue to not only follow, but to refine it with time.

As Jocko Willink says, discipline equals freedom. It’s incredible how productive your day is when you follow routine. By being prepared and disciplined, it also means that you are using less brain power to make decisions such as what to wear and what to eat for breakfast, and saving that energy for other, more important decisions in the day.

3. INVESTING IN MYSELF

In order to get the most of the new year, it’s critical to continue to invest in yourself. I will be continuing to invest in myself in the following areas:

Physical Health & Fitness

• Training 5 x mornings per week at F45 fitness.
• Walking outside in nature at least 2-3 x per week.
• Eating well.
• Being kind to myself and my body.
• Sleeping 8 hours per night (I currently get about 7 hours).

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Meditating every morning using the Headspace app.
• Focusing on being more in the present moment.
• Reducing stress and / or becoming more resilient to better deal with stress.
• Taking time to self -care on a daily and weekly basis.
• Making more time for family and friends, as I have been very work focused.

Career Development

• Identifying key areas for development and working on improving them daily.
• Working with a personal coach.
• Attending courses and seminars.
• Reading relevant materials, books and resources.
• Taking an (even more) proactive approach with my work.

Personal Development

• Reading at least 1 x personal development book per month.
• Listening to at least 5 x podcasts per week.
• Attending personal development events and courses.
• Saying yes to more things that scare me.
• Developing my Boss in Heels podcast in 2020.

4. GETTING BETTER AND SAYING NO

As I’ve heard Tim Ferriss say before, everytime you’re saying yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. Saying no gracefully really is a skill, and one that I plan on further developing and improving as we begin the new year.

You can read my article on how to say no gracefully here.

5. MAKING MORE TIME FOR THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER

I have been so focused on my career and my personal development journey, that I really haven’t spent enough time with my family and some of my close friends. As Jim Rohn so wisely said, “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.”

As we enter the new year, I am taking some time to reflect on the people within my circle, and asking the question of whether they are the right people in helping to support me achieve my goals and my dreams. I already keep a tight circle and am selective with who I spend my time with. However, it is important to constantly re-evaluate the people in your inner circle and determine whether they are bringing out your best self.

As we enter the new year, I plan on spending more time with the right people who will help elevate me to that next level.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE NEW YEAR

What are some of your thoughts, plans and intentions on how to get the most out of the new year? I would love to hear your thoughts, please leave your comments below!