It’s that time of year. The time when we review the past year and plan for the new year. There are many ways to go about this. I thought I would share how I approach this, rather than a list of goals it is more of a look within to find your way.

Before I jump into all of that I want to take a minute to let you know the elements that are NOT a part of this process of judgment, making yourself wrong or less than.

If you find yourself going down the path of judgment, I want you to dropkick judgment to the curb and replace it with curiosity, compassion, and courage. Those are the elements that will look for the learning from things that didn’t work out as you planned/hoped and will guide you beyond the limitations of what you have done before into new possibilities.

Here are 6 questions to help you design a rewarding and fulfilling 2024. Get out your detail brush, for it is in the details that clarity arises.

I have included some client examples to get you started as you explore the following questions.

In the coming year, what do you want: 

1. More of?
     a. Do one thing a month that is outside of your comfort zone.
     b. Incorporate more collaborative time with your team.

2. Less of?
     a. Being late.
     b. Continuing to be in a relationship that no longer serves you.

3. To say yes to? 
     a. Adventures that stretch your comfort zones and increase your joy.
     b. Being open to constructive feedback.

4. To say no to?
     a. Putting everyone’s needs before I even consider mine.
     b. Stop taking on all the non-promotable tasks at the office.

5. To heal and release in 2023?
     a. The loss of a very dear friend.
     b. The story that you are not enough in some way.

6. To acknowledge and celebrate from 2023?
     a. You found your voice in board meetings.
     b. The many, many, healthy life choices you made this year.

Bonus question

7. For 2024 to be a success, what are three things you want to learn, achieve, experience…
     a. Received your next level certification.
     b. Took a trip to Hawaii.
     c. Proposed to my partner.

Now take this information and map it out over the course of the year. Break it down into small bites, each step building upon another driving you to your desired outcome for 2024. What needs to be done weekly, monthly, quarterly to experience what you desire. If that is difficult, try reverse engineering it. Start with what you want to achieve/experience by the end of the year and work backwards. Using your answers to #7, what would need to happen to allow you to enjoy that lovely vacation in Hawaii, propose to your partner, or receive your next level of certification?

This process is not rocket science but it has great impact when you enter into the new year with this level of intentionality.

Go for it, create a year that is rewarding, meaningful, and full of joy.