Charting a Purposeful Path for the Year - Beyond Resolutions

Before we get into it...

Writing these newsletters has been my new creative outlet, and I try my best to send them out every month, even though my tendency to procrastinate sometimes gets the better of me. I'm writing this "January Edition" close to midnight on January 31, 2024, and it feels a bit like cramming for a college term paper. I personally am far from having it all figured out, with my fair share of ups and downs, but I'm genuinely committed to becoming the best version of myself. These newsletters serve different purposes – some are about sharing knowledge, some are like notes to my future self on how to stay on track, and others are just documenting my journey. The holiday season, for me, isn't just about joy and family; it's also a time for reflection on the past year and planning for growth in the new one. I've ditched vague resolutions and now focus on setting specific goals. This year, I'm working on setting up systems to keep my habits in check and measuring my progress as much as possible. What's funny is I started writing this article when I was all pumped to make new changes at the beginning of January but shelved it for a while. Fell back into some of my old ways...and now that it's the end of the month, it's a stark reminder that I need to get back on track to get closer to the goals I set out to achieve. But I will say this...it's a good thing I have some of these systems already in place so it's easier to get back into a rhythm and flow.

Getting Started:

At the beginning of each year, we often make promises to ourselves, but these promises can fade away quickly. This time, let's try something different. Instead of just making resolutions, we'll create a plan for the year ahead – a plan that helps us achieve meaningful things by building good habits and using a smart approach.

The Problem with Typical New Year’s Resolutions:

Usually, our New Year's resolutions don't work out well. They're often too vague, unrealistic, or lack a clear plan. We've all been there – excited at first, but then life happens, and our resolutions fall apart. It's time to break this cycle and come up with a better way to set and achieve our goals.

A New Way of Thinking:

In my search for effective goal-setting, I found useful videos on YouTube and got inspiration from books like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and "Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt. These resources changed the way I approach my goals—from just setting them to actually living a purposeful life. Does anyone remember Rob & Big or Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory? Those shows were definitely a part of my college years. Did you know that Rob these days has shifted more into creating self help content like Tony Robbins? I've been watching his YouTube channel for inspiration as well! Here's a helpful video from Rob's Channel about having a optimal weekly flow.

Choosing What Matters:

To start this purpose driven journey, think about the important areas of your life that you want to improve – like health, relationships, work, and personal growth. Focusing on these areas intentionally sets the stage for a well-rounded and satisfying life. Take a moment to figure out where you want to grow and make progress. One example from my journey involves getting back to my ideal healthy weight by year-end. This journey involves tracking my calorie intake, closely watching my diet and nutritional habits, meeting daily move goals, and finding an exercise routine that excites me.

Making Goals the S.M.A.R.T. Way:

Once you know your focus areas, make your goals S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means your goals are clear, doable, and have a deadline, so you have a clear target that you're aiming for.

Creating a Yearly Plan:

Think of your goals as a roadmap for the year—your own customized plan for success. Start by breaking down your significant yearly goals into smaller, achievable steps to tackle each month. We'll go back to my goal of reaching my healthy ideal weight—setting monthly milestones is crucial. Now, each month plays a pivotal role in my journey. I establish a weight target, adjusting as needed to stay on course. This approach not only steers me through the entire year but also transforms every month into a stepping stone toward my ultimate accomplishment. It's more than just dreaming of success by the year's end; it's about experiencing success and progress every single month.

Daily Habits and Weekly Wins:

Break down your monthly goals into tiny daily habits—little actions you can take each day that lead you closer to your big goal. Remember, consistency is the key here, as doing a bit every day adds up over time. Track your progress using tools comparing each week's achievements. I'm currently using my brand new Apple Watch, Apple Health and Google Sheets to keep track of my progress. This way, you not only build momentum with your daily habits but also celebrate the small victories that make each week a stepping stone toward your larger accomplishment.

The Idea of Continuous Improvement:

Embrace the idea of Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement through small, gradual changes. When you focus on building small habits and steadily making progress, you're living out the Kaizen spirit, making sure your growth is steady and lasting. It's like saying every little improvement adds up, creating a path for continuous development and positive change that sticks around.

Final Thoughts:

As we embark on this journey into the new year, let's not just set resolutions that may fade away. Instead, picture this: crafting a plan that's brimming with hope, positivity, and a steady stream of progress. So, here's to a year filled with purpose, excitement, and the joy of seeing our dreams unfold. Cheers to setting ourselves on a purposeful path to a future with promise.

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