How to Navigate the New Year Like a Boss
January 4, 2023
When you woke up on January 1, how were you feeling? What thoughts came to mind?
Were you really excited about a fresh start, nervous about what’s ahead, or perhaps indifferent?
I’ve always been a fan of the new year. Even though I do not need a new calendar to make changes in my life, I still love the excitement, curiosity, and wonder I feel when I wake up on January 1.
I love the boost of motivation as I envision new possibilities for my life.
I love taking an honest look at how I’m showing up for myself and others.
I love the process of calling in what I want more of, and saying goodbye to things that no longer serve me.
At the same time, I fully understand how much the new year can help or hinder personal growth.
Beyond navigating an industry that capitalizes on vulnerable humans at the start of the year, most people aren’t given the right tools or resources to approach the year effectively. The media uses a one size fits all approach that is driven by revenue and shiny objects.
So - what enables some people to ignore the noise and master the year?
People who achieve success and create lasting change do things differently. They approach the year with hunger, strategy, intentionality, and consistency. And they believe they are deserving of the life they want to lead.
What does this look like, more tactically?
Without further ado, here are my six tips for approaching the new year like a boss. And by boss, I mean someone who does things very well, rooted in their inner knowing, self-worth, and authentic power.
Are you with me?
6 TIPS FOR APPROACHING THE NEW YEAR LIKE A BOSS
1 - Take inventory of the previous year
One of the biggest mistakes people make in January is marching ahead without slowing down to reflect on what they’ve learned from the past year. I get nervous when people “announce” their goals or word for the year on January 1, without careful reflection ahead of time.
Successful people and businesses use data and past learning to inform their future. Whether you are drawing on your wins or acknowledging your disappointments, you can look for clues to empower you in your decision making process, and save you time and stress in the end.
Before you jump in, carve out 10 mins to reflect on the following questions:
What were your happiest moments of last year? Write them down and get specific. Then look for clues about what these memories have in common.
When did you feel the most sad, disappointed, or stuck last year, and why? Write down at least three examples and see what insights you might gain.
What do you want MORE of this year? This could be spending time outside, cooking meals at home, saving money, quality time with a close friend, reading more books, or uninterrupted time at the office to get things done.
What do you want to say GOODBYE to this year? As you answer this question, be honest with yourself and be brave. This could be negative self talk, things in your home that you don’t need, a job that is making you unhappy, hitting the snooze button every morning, alcohol or drugs, gossip, people-pleasing, or relationships that no longer serve you.
Which of your core values feel the most in vs. out of alignment right now? What might you need to change to live into your core values more? A good place to start: how you spend your money, and how you spend your time.
2 - Shape a crystal clear (and realistic) vision
Consider going through these two steps to get clear on your vision for the year:
Step 1: carve out five minutes to do this empowering journal exercise:
Imagine waking up on January 1 of next year and you are living your BEST life. You feel happy and at peace. You are thriving in your relationships, feeling satisfied professionally, showing up authentically, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. What is going well in your life, and what action have you taken to make those things happen? Get specific and write it down.
Step 2: narrow things down:
Take a look at all of your answers from the first exercise. Then consider looking for themes and grouping them in up to three categories (example: work, health, community). Then circle the top three priorities that feel most important to you next year. These should also be areas where you have a very clear WHY, even if they make you nervous (see tip #5 for more information).
3 - Go for intentions instead of resolutions
New year’s resolutions are so 2020 and I’m thrilled to see them dying out. Resolutions breed perfectionism and foster a fear of failure - often allowing your progress to backfire.
Instead of proclaiming resolutions, I recommend choosing intentions, which are much different.
A resolution is a statement that you make that captures something you ultimately want to fix about yourself. As a result, resolutions can bring on negative thoughts about ourselves or our lives, including what we lack or feel bad about. They often lack self-compassion.
By contrast, an intention is like a vision of our life that invites abundance and happiness into the fold. It could be an affirmation with an “I am” statement, a one-word mantra, how you want to feel when you’re at work, or a list of things you want more of in your life.
Consider exploring intentions this year and see how it goes. You are more likely to set realistic goals, follow through on them, and give yourself a boost.
4 - Build a support system with the right people on your team
One of the reasons why people get quickly defeated just months into the new year is that they do not have a team of people in place to support them in the first place. Even worse, sometimes the wrong people are on your team. These can even be well-intentioned people who provide value in your life.
We’ve all made the mistake of inviting people into the fold who are not the best fit for our given situation. This could be someone who does not have capacity for empathy or listening when you are struggling, or someone who, due to their own challenges, does not ultimately want to see you succeed - yikes.
After you shape your vision for the year, write down your goals and share about your goals with others - but share about them selectively. Newer research shows that sharing your goals with others can increase the likelihood of your success - but it has to be with the right people.
Share your goals with people who have been more successful than you in the specific areas you are focusing on. Create a team of high achievers who can serve as role models for you. Maybe it’s someone who has had incredible success with their budget and retirement plans. Or someone who has stuck to a strength training routine for over a year. Or someone who models the type of confidence and leadership presence you want to cultivate at work.
Last, one of wisest things you can do is to hire a professional coach to support you throughout the year. Different than a therapist (which is extremely valuable as well), certified coaches focus on goals and outcomes, and are a trusted partner and confidant in your life. Making an investment in your happiness and success by having a coach in your corner is one of the best ones you will ever make.
5 - Know your WHY
So often, people set goals without even asking themselves why the goals matters to them. When we skip this step, we are more likely to lose steam because our goals were not meaningful to begin with.
One of the best games you can play at the beginning of the new year is the WHY game. For anything you’re hoping to change or achieve in your life, you should know why it is authentically important to you.
Playing the why game is one of the most loving “B.S. meter” strategies you can offer yourself. More often than not, you discover that a goal is externally motivated. It’s what I call a “should goal” - illuminated by comparison, the media, your family, or your culture. “Should goals” are usually fear-based - what humans gravitate toward to protect our egos and fit in.
For any goal or intention, know why it is important to you. Keep on playing the “why game” until you get down to your most motivating answer. If you can’t find an answer that feels good in your body, the goal is likely not the one for you - or it needs some shaping to arrive at a place that suits you.
After you get rooted in your why, you can then explore spending money on tools or resources (ex: apps, programs, books, retreats) that align with your plans. You can also hire a coach to help you shape your vision for the year.
Remember that paid resources may or may not be necessary or feasible for everyone. Consider spending money as your final (and optional) step to the process.
6 - Monitor your progress and celebrate along the way
Ever heard the phrase “out of sight, out of mind?” This can work for or against you, depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. With your new year’s vision, it needs to be in sight so it can be in mind. Whether it’s a post-it note on your microwave, an image on your phone’s lock screen, or a poster on a bulletin board at your office, you should be reminded of your vision weekly.
In addition, consider putting a monthly event on your calendar to revisit your goals (I love doing this on the first Monday or Friday of the month). Celebrate your progress (including the smallest wins), and determine if you want to make any shifts to re-align with that crystal clear vision you set at the beginning of the year.
Last, when you celebrate, don’t forget to practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude is actually essential to living a happy life. Research shows that people who describe themselves as joyful also actively practice gratitude. Plus - it’s easy, fun, and the lowest hanging fruit.
Not sure where to start? Read this article with three gratitude practices to try out this year.
. . .
As you navigate the new year ahead, now is the time to get honest with yourself and build a life that you want to lead. At the end of the day, you are the greatest expert of you, and know what will bring you joy by the end of the year.
Now go and crush it - like a boss.
