Now is the time to think about what you want the year ahead to look like. Here are some ideas to get you started.
By Maureen Considine Gharrity
A new year is a time for new beginnings, fresh starts and new resolutions. In fact, it is the most popular time for people to set new goals or make resolutions. This year is no exception.
Each year at this time we are given a blank slate, a chance to start anew, to move forward in a whole new way. It is the perfect time to make changes, do things differently or improve what you’re already doing in any or all areas of life. It is a chance to make this year better, perhaps even your best year yet.
When I look at this from an artist’s viewpoint, you are the canvas. How are you going to design your canvas – what will your 2023 look like? You can have it look however you want it to. All you have to do is have a vision. Your vision is one of, if not the most, critical elements of your business and its direction.
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This is the perfect time to get started on your blank slate.
This week I want you to think about what this would be for you. How would you fill in your blank slate? Maybe you want to try something new like sky diving or dancing, maybe you want to take a new class or maybe you want to experiment with a new career. Perhaps for you the blank slate is in improving your relationships, perhaps it is about letting go of the past and moving forward. It could be anything you want such as reaching that income goal or actually doing that big project you’ve been talking about for a while now.
If you don’t already know what direction you’d like to go in for 2023 and even if you do, this is a good time to begin focusing on how you want to fill in this blank slate we all are given at the start of a new year.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Take some time to meditate or think about and recognize who it is you’d really like to be. Who is it you want to be in your business? Are you looking for your business to grow or are you wanting to change your role within it? Are you feeling stagnant and need some serious inspiration? If you’re feeling momentum moving into the new year, how can you keep that going?
2. Ask yourself: In the coming year, what do I want to do? This includes in your business, with your time and with those closest to you. I’m not just referring to goals here, this is more than that. Keep in mind to be as clear as you can, otherwise you are less likely to do it and time goes by quickly either way.
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3. Write your ideas down in a journal or on a whiteboard. Just let the ideas flow, nothing is right or wrong here. Writing it down helps make your ideas clearer, sparks commitment and gives you a place to ask questions. These are just for you, no one has to see them, so be creative and see what comes up. If you’re more likely to use this tool in your iPhone, Apple has a brand-new app called Freeform that can serve as a whiteboard. It’s an exciting, easy-to-use tool that can be shared with a partner or team if you want.
4. Find a friend or mentor you trust to talk with about your plans and hopes for the new year. This will benefit you in a number of ways. Not only is it a great way to connect with those close to you, but talking it out also makes your goals seem more real. Additionally, voicing your wants can make you more committed to doing it.
Look at the blank slate of a new year as a gift, full of potential and possibility, limited only by what you can think of. Most people are inclined to lean toward physical things to do, however this pertains to character, qualities and growth. It is going to be your personal growth that sparks the growth of your company. Much of this growth is internal and it often requires guidance and support.
I hope you will take some time to do this and I look forward to what comes up for you. Remember, this doesn’t have to be complicated. This really can be your best year ever!
Maureen Consdine Gharrity is the founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. She is the top Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives and other high performers. She has over 25 years’ experience in sales and marketing and has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and executives in their careers and businesses. She has a B.A in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales. You can reach her at: maureen@maureengharrity.com and https://www.maureengharrity.com.
