This is it. We have turned the corner and arrived at a new year. Not only a new year but a new decade (yeah, I know some say that the new decade doesn’t start until next year- whatever.) So, what “new year’s resolutions”, or goals if you like, do you have for 2020? What is your vision for 2020?

What? You don’t have a new year’s resolution you say?! Okay, I get it. I have teeter-tottered on this idea in years past. “Yes, I have a new year’s resolution”. “No, I don’t believe in setting those, everyone fails by month (or week) two!” But the truth is, I have always liked the idea of getting a fresh start. There’s just something about it. It’s like freshly fallen snow. It’s exhilarating, energizing and fun!

But no one likes to fail. What’s the motivation in that? And studies show that 80% of people that make new year’s resolutions do just that. Did I just take the air right out of your tires? Well, stick with me here.

While it’s true that people fail at achieving their new year’s resolutions more often than not, it’s also true that IT’S TOTALLY POSSIBLE to achieve your goals for 2020! But it takes more than just a day thinking about what you’d like to change, writing it down and then being gung-ho for a week or two to make those goals a reality! In fact, it takes several things. Read on.

Goal planning is a process. First of all, you need to know what it is that you want to change. This requires some quiet time to determine what that is and more importantly, WHY! So you have a goal of losing weight? WHY? Why do you want to lose weight? Knowing your why can keep you motivated when the going gets tough. And it will. Promise.

You also need a reality check. Is your goal realistic? How confident are you that you can achieve your goal? Are you ready to change? Is this a goal that YOU picked and are motivated by? Changing habits requires work. Realistically speaking, setting small, attainable goals ensures the likelihood of success.

Now that you have determined your new year’s resolutions or goals, you will need some tools to ensure that you create the habits needed to see your goals to fruition. No one plants a garden and then walks away never to water, fertilize or weed their garden. Unless you want your goals to wither and wilt you will need to nourish them. This is where The Four Seeds of Self-Care come in to help you rock your goals! Think about it, how likely are you to stick to your plan to eat healthier when you are flat out exhausted and stressed out?! There are numerous studies about sleep and meditation for optimizing brain health and giving you the clarity that is needed to be at your best!

Just like a seed your goals need consistent nurturing. I love a good vision board! Create a visual reminder of what you are working towards by finding pictures and words that represent your goals. Grab a pile of magazines, glue, scissors, and a poster board and have at it. Another idea is to come up with your “word” for the year. I’ve done this for the past few years and it’s been really useful in helping me stay on track. My word becomes my mantra. For 2020 my word is “act”. I take my word and turn it into “rock art.” You can get a nice river stone and write or paint your word on the rock and then decorate it. Display your vision board and rock somewhere you will see them regularly to serve as reminders and keep you inspired!

Don’t let your “slip-up” slip you up! We’re all so damn competitive and judgmental. Try a little self-compassion instead. Yes, you may fall off your game some days, but guilt and self-criticism are not motivators. Treat yourself like you would a friend. A little kindness towards yourself will help you to get back on track when the inevitable slip-ups happen.

Be intentional. A seed that is watered grows with each passing day. And so it is with our goals. Each day you make progress the momentum grows until before long your little seed has become a mighty oak!

And remember, we all need help along our journey. Whether you find a friend to be an accountability partner, or hire a coach, don’t be afraid to seek help. As independent as we like to think that we are, we are all connected. And we all struggle. Find a positive person who has confidence in your potential, someone who is there to help you grow! Attend workshops, retreats, or join a group of like-minded people who “know” what you know- that this is our one and only precious life and we are meant to stretch, grow and celebrate it!!

So, what is your vision for 2020? I hope you won’t be afraid to reach for that thing that is welling up inside you and really go for it!!

With Love & Gratitude,

Kinda and Rachel