Scrapping the New Year Goal Setting
As the clock ticks towards midnight, marking not just the end of a day but the close of a year, I'm reminded of how our approach to time and goals can profoundly shape our journey. As we say goodbye to another year, I find myself reflecting on a journey that transformed my approach to the New Year. Traditionally, this time brims with hope and possibilities, where dreams for the year ahead know no bounds. However, a year ago, my usual passion for this season had dimmed.
Last year, I couldn't channel the energy to look ahead. Burnout, low mood, and stress clouded my vision, making it impossible to foster positivity or plan for the future.
So, I chose a different path. I didn't set goals or reflect on the past. Instead, I sought help from a therapist, dedicating the first month of the year to self-care and healing at my own pace, away from the hustle of goal setting.
My journal from that period reveals a four-month gap of silence, a testament to my struggle. But post-March, following my birthday and a significant decision, a sense of liberation washed over me. It was a faint glimmer of hope, but enough to reignite my desire to plan for the future.
If you're feeling overwhelmed as we step into 2024, know that it's normal. You're not alone, and there is a way through this fog.
By the end of January, I was ready to start planning again, but in a way that acknowledged the uncertainties in my life. Here are the steps that guided me back to myself:
Planning a Day Ahead: Start small. Each evening, write down one thing you would like to accomplish the next day. It could be as simple as getting out of bed or leaving your bedroom.
Two-Week Planning: In January, I began to plan fortnightly. A rejuvenating trip infused me with energy, and on my flight back, I wrote my first two-week plan.
One Task at a Time: Focus on one pressing task. For me, it was financial planning, a small but challenging goal I set to complete by March. It was less about the task and more about re-engaging with forward-thinking.
Monthly Planning: By March, I could plan a month. Clarity and resolution of loose ends made this possible.
Quarterly Planning: By the end of April, I drafted my first quarterly plan, reflecting my mental state and growing inner strength.
Yearly Planning When Ready: I set my annual goals in mid-June when I felt fully prepared. Remember, NYE is symbolic, but your fresh start can happen whenever it feels right.
I adapted my approach to align with my mental and emotional state, from my weakest to my strongest moments. I encourage you to do the same. Move at your own pace, but do plan for your future. It provides direction, no matter how small the steps. Life is worth this journey.
As we move into 2024, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. This newsletter is about bouncing back when things don't go according to plan. I have been on this journey throughout 2023 and am still on it. I can say it does get better, and easier. Moments of reflection may bring back some sadness or pain, but happiness, peace, and excitement are the overall feelings. If you are not there yet, remember, the path to resilience is paved with hope and the belief that better days are ahead.
In next week's newsletter, I'll delve into a crucial topic: 'Do we know where we went wrong?’. This piece will explore the journey of self-reflection and the importance of understanding our missteps. We'll examine how acknowledging our past errors can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
I'll speak to you in next week's article!
Love,
Ejiro
Bounce Back Guide - 31.12.23
Book
‘The 12 Week Year'‘ by Brian P. Morgan and Michael Lennington
In this Sunday's Bounce Back Guide, I want to highlight a resource for those seeking practical tips on planning their year: ‘The 12 Week Year.’ While I haven't personally read this book, its approach closely mirrors how I typically plan my annual goals, both personal and business. It comes highly recommended for its innovative strategy, which involves breaking down the year into a more manageable 12-week cycle. This method is designed to increase productivity, focus, and achievement. If you're looking to refine your goal-setting process or want to try a new approach to achieving your objectives, this book might offer the guidance you need.
Thank you for reading. We've all hit rock bottom or experienced a setback but we don't have to stay there. Starting over isn't easy, which is why I'll share insights, lessons, and tips every week to help you rebuild a happier, healthier you. As an entrepreneur, a mother, and a woman with big ambitions, I'm walking this path with you.
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