Dear friends,
Wow! It is the last weekend of 2023.
What a year! What a year!
It’s been a celebratory one for me. I owned it and did it the way I wanted. Many milestones, many trials, God saw me through all. I am so grateful.
That’s where I am gratitude and Thanksgiving is what I am spending this last weekend doing. Dancing and being present, taking time off creating content or consuming content to just be present with the people who matter.
Reflection, gratitude, self-care, showing love, forgiveness, finance, and gathering wholesome experience have been the theme of my 2023. How about yours?
I could write so much about the things I am grateful for this year, but now is the time to look ahead. It is time to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome to 2024—a canvas yet untouched, waiting for the strokes of our aspirations and dreams.
Setting goals for the new year isn’t just a tradition; it’s a profound act of self-investment, a commitment to growth, and a roadmap to the life you envision. So, let’s embark on this journey together, charting a course that leads to the fulfillment of your aspirations.
Reflect on the Past, Envision the Future
Before setting sail into the new year, take a moment to reflect on the lessons which we did on this post two weeks ago.
What milestones did you achieve?
What challenges did you overcome?
What could have been better?
What decision could you have taken?
What will it take for you to live the life you want, not just money? What’s in your control matters too! You are never without help.
This reflection is not about dwelling on regrets but understanding the path that brought you here. From this vantage point, cast your eyes forward. Envision the person you want to become, the experiences you wish to have, and the impact you aspire to make.
S.M.A.R.T Goals: Your North Star
Now, let’s talk about setting goals. The S.M.A.R.T criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can be your guiding star. Instead of vague resolutions, SMART goals that are crystal clear, quantifiable, realistically attainable, aligned with your values, and bound by a timeline. For example, rather than saying “exercise more,” set a goal like “complete a 30-minute workout three times a week.”
Click here to download My Smart Goal Setting worksheet for 2024
Break It Down: The Path to Attainment
Once you’ve identified your S.M.A.R.T goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps.
Every grand achievement is the culmination of small, consistent efforts. These steps serve as the milestones along your journey, making the larger goal more manageable and less overwhelming.
Celebrate each step, for it brings you closer to the summit.
Create Your Toolkit: Habits and Systems
Goals thrive in environments rich with supportive habits and efficient systems. Identify the habits that align with your goals and work on incorporating them into your daily routine.
Whether it’s setting aside dedicated time for your pursuits, creating accountability systems, or adopting productivity tools, your toolkit is the infrastructure that will sustain your journey. My morning as a mum that works outside the home, is the time I can have to myself. I take out an hour first thing when I wake up for myself. I exercise in that time and pray.
Embrace Flexibility: The Wind in Your Sails
While setting goals is crucial, flexibility is equally important. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change.
Be open to adapting your goals as needed, without losing sight of the destination. The ability to adjust your sails in response to the changing winds will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Your Most Valuable Companion
Lastly, nurture a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
The journey towards your goals is not just about the destination; it’s about the person you become along the way. Embrace the process, learn from setbacks, and let the journey shape you into the resilient and empowered individual you are destined to be.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, may your goals be the compass that guides you towards a future filled with fulfilment, purpose, and joy. Here’s to the adventure that awaits in 2024! See you in 2024
Remember to download the free goal-setting worksheet here
Wishing you a year of growth and achievement,
And until next year, stay authentic
Be yourself and keep getting better at it.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
