Six Steps to a Great New Year

1.  Say "Goodbye" to 2017

Do the work of looking back at how this year went.  Really celebrate the great stuff.  Acknowledge the not so great stuff.  Distill the lessons that will serve you.  Thank it.  Then put 2017 to bed.  It's the past.  

2.  Forgive and Learn

Only what you allow to impact 2018 will do so.  So if 2017 (or anything in your past) was not great, don't drag it into this year.  Simple, right?  Make the choice to leave it behind.  Use disappointments to propel you into the new year.  

"What if disappointment was just a road sign pointing us to personal transformation?"       Michael Hyatt

Learn the lessons and imagine a different outcome.  Chart a new course.  You have to do new things if you want to experience different results.  Forgive yourself and forgive others--and set yourself free.

3.  Dare to Dream 

Don't be afraid to dream and imagine how the next year could be.  Don't be a cynic.  Imagine 2018 as a fresh canvas and imagine.  Sketch, make lists, work on a vision board.   Dream!

4.  Dial It In

Now, dial it in.  Focus.  What are you ready to tackle?  Where would your energy and time be best spent?  Choose a word.  Or a theme.  Be specific and write things down.  Put your word or your goals in a place you'll see them each day.  Bedside?  Closet? Mirror? Screensaver?  Lock screen?  Front page of journal or planner?   

You have resources--skills, opportunities, experiences, relationships, finances, passion.  How will you use them?  You don't need to know every part of the plan, but you do need to have clarity on what you're shooting for.

5.  Find a Tribe

This is where you reach out and find others who can help you.  Find one or a few people who care about your personal growth and are on your side!  Share your specific goals and dreams with them--and with them only.  (Don't broadcast on Facebook--you'll get all the "likes" and not even have to do the work!)   

Keep your tribe posted on your progress.  Give them the permission to ask you how you're doing.  Allow them to be living reminders of those things that you are choosing to do this year.

6.  Get Started!

Take a deep breath and step into a great new year!  You've done the work, now trust the process of putting one foot in front of the other.  Remind yourself of what you've decided and keep moving.  Work the plan!  One step at a time.  Do the next right thing.  

Have a great 2018!