The dust has finally settled and here we are – already on month 2 of the new year!
If you’re like me, the year started off running and perhaps you haven’t yet gotten around to sit with and get clear on your intentions, desires, goals, plans, vision etc. for the next 11 months—so this is your reminder to do so.
Taking this time is not selfish or small. It’s absolutely necessary – especially if you are someone who supports others, in your life, in your work etc.
Because to truly help and support others – you must first be supported and empowered and being intentional is a great way to ensure you are taking care of you.
Whether you’re a visual person, someone who thrives on verbal affirmations, an action-oriented individual, or even someone keen on energy work, there are unique ways to get process this started/going.
I’ve complied a few tips that I use to help in your process…but remember finding what works for you is imperative.
Be/Do/Have: Take a few moments to reflect on these three things :
- Who do you want to be?
- What do you want to do?
- What experiences do you want to have? What things do you want to have or grow?
The trick here is to really let yourself want what you want and not let the logical part of your brain talk you out of it. The goal is to gain clarity on what you truly desire to be/do/have and not necessarily figuring out the “how”.
Visual: If visuals are more your thing, consider creating an action board (commonly known as a vision board). This powerful tool allows you to compile images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and aspirations for the year. They should make you feel good, inspired, motivated etc. And here’s a tip – don’t forget to include a current picture of yourself on your board. Seeing your own face amidst your dreams gets the reticular activating system (RAS) part of your brain primed to filter the information it’s sending to your conscious mind – it’s going to start showing you more of what you desire!
Benefits of creating a vision/action board:
- Helps you gain clarity
- Helps to reprogram your RAS & helps you to “see” what you are working toward
- Helps you come up with your “next best steps” to take
Vision Board vs. Action Board – To me, really it’s tomato / to-mah-to. I do use both terms but tend to lean toward action board these days because no matter what, you are going to have to take some action. Action allows you to be a part of the process.
Think of it this way – you can see and visualize yourself winning the lottery every day, but if you never buy a lottery ticket, it’s never going to happen.
Bonus tip: Keep your goals/visuals etc. as general as they need to be so that it still feels good (or like expanding rather than contracting).
Verbal: If you are more of a verbal person — affirmations can be a game-changer. You can even take it a step further by structuring your affirmations with:
“I am”
“I feel”
“I do”
“I love”
“I speak”
“I see”
and “I understand/know.”
This approach helps you articulate and internalize your goals.
Action: For those who thrive on action/movement, consider incorporating kinesthetic practices into your routine, including energy work. Whether it’s tapping/guided tapping sessions, reiki, active meditation, or any other form of energy work, these practices can help gain further clarity .
Remember, the key lies in a balanced approach that resonates with your unique preferences and strengths. Whether you’re crafting a vision/action board, reciting affirmations, or incorporating energy work, the important thing is to be intentional for yourself — because you can only support and inspire others from a place of being supported and inspired.
Here’s to a year filled with inspiration, growth, and deeper clarity.
Cheers to making 2024 your most intentional year yet!
