Setting Positive Intentions for the New Year

By Tiffany Powers

 

The start of a new year always brings about thoughts of putting negative experiences behind us, making fresh starts, and setting new personal goals. This year especially. Most of us are really excited to close the book on 2020 and all of its challenges. Unfortunately, we’ll still be dealing with pandemic-related issues for several months, so more than ever, we need to be deliberate in setting our focus and intention on creating a positive year ahead. 

 

Gratitude and Mindfulness

 

You’ll need to focus all of your spiritual energy on creating an ideal year. 

 

While we endure what is hopefully the end of the COVID crisis, it’s critically important that we don’t get discouraged. A strong sense of gratitude can help us flip less than ideal circumstances into positives.

 

Instead of being disappointed that you can’t go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, take the opportunity to have a picnic. Pack a basket with your favorite foods, find a serene, gorgeous spot outdoors, and have quality time with a loved one.

 

Instead of being frustrated with limitations at your favorite gym or yoga studio, find a spot in your home to workout. Spend the time and money to make a small, dedicated space that you love, and do your workouts at home. Maybe even outside. Try to see the positives – working out at home saves you time and money, right?

 

Get Organized

 

How many times have you said that you wished you had the time to get organized once and for all? Instead of letting restrictions make you feel “stuck at home,” embrace the opportunity. Use the time to purge your closets, clean the basement, paint your bedroom a gorgeous color that makes you happy. Donating unused items helps those in need and frees up space in your home. Less clutter makes for a less stressful life. Pretty soon life outside will be back to “normal,” and we’ll all be wishing for some of this time back. Make it count!

 

Have a Plan

 

For those of us who run businesses, this has been a time of unprecedented challenges. This past year forced us to adapt to stay afloat. These challenges may continue throughout the first part of the new year, so you’ll need a plan. How will you modify the goods and services you offer to meet these challenges? In what areas of your business model will you need to pivot to continue to operate? Does your skill set lend itself to another revenue stream that can supplement your primary business? If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to other business owners to share ideas. There are great networks of entrepreneurs out there who are more than willing to brainstorm with like-minded people. Social media has made networking incredibly easy. Take advantage of it.

 

In addition to planning for your business, make a solid plan for your personal life as well. Take a look at where you are socially, emotionally, and financially. Are you where you want to be? If not, think about what steps you need to take to get there. Make a plan. Write it down. You are in charge of your life. Make it yours. 

 

Ringing in a new year is the perfect time to check in with yourself and evaluate where you’re at and where you want to be. With some focused energy and planning, you can make 2021 one of your best years yet.