Setting goals gives us a chance to consider where we want to be and how to get there, but also allows us to reflect on our past. Instead of wandering aimlessly and getting off track, one needs to make a plan. Defining ones goals and mapping out a method of achieving them is a great start in setting yourself up to succeed in 2023. Let’s get going!

Listen to your inner voice

One’s inner voice is a powerful thing that responds to the present, reflects on the past, and can guide you to your future. Your inner voice can scream loud and clear and can be a gentle whisper – but listening to it can be such a huge source of guidance. Here are a few ways of getting in touch with your own inner voice.

• Brain Dump. Settling down and getting out all the shit that’s filling one’s noggin can be a huge release. Grab a pen and notepad and get a little weight off your shoulders at least once a week.
• Actively Listen. And not only to your own thoughts, but to others (including your children!). Really engage in conversations with judgement and the urge to jump in.
• Up Your Self-Care Game. Simply set aside a little time for yourself a few times a week.
• Try Your Hand at Journaling. It doesn’t matter the time of day or number of words you jot down – there are no rules. Just write whatever is on your mind. Encourage your kids to journal as well – especially tweens and teens. They’re experiencing a lot of changes right now!
• Don’t Overdo It. It’s okay to say no and set some healthy boundaries for yourself and your family. Over-committing can create burnout and that’s what we’re trying to avoid here!
• Ditch the Devices. Set aside the digital distractions and just allow yourself some time to be in your own thoughts. Try this with the whole family at least a few times a month!

Examples of how to practically incorporate these tips into your everyday life.

Related Post: Creating a Weekday Morning Routine

Top left: Start a gratitude or five minute journal. Top right: Get outside! Even if it’s just a walk around the block as a family. Middle left: Practice meditation. Bottom left: Take a break from your socials (even delete the apps for a few days). Bottom right: Have coffee with a friend and chat while the kiddos play together.

Create realistic personal and professional goals

Feeling stuck is one thing. But not having a plan of action on top of feeling stuck can be even worse. When setting a goal for one’s self, we often focus more on our career side rather than our home lives. However, many professional goals can be just as effective within our personal life.

Time Management

During our working hours, we want to be as efficient as possible: Using our office hours wisely, scheduling our day, and prioritizing important tasks. But this tactic can also be utilized at home by dividing household chores between the family and planning meals in advance.

Learn a New Skill

Even as adults we never stop learning and evolving. There will always be new skills and expertise required in our professional lives, like new computer software or an inner office promotion. Accomplishing a new skill personally holds just as much clout – if not more. Perhaps your tweenage child shows an interest in coding or wants to get into a specific sport, knowing the fundamentals – as a parent – can be even more encouraging for our kids.

Make Your Intentions Known

There is never any shame in having a conversation with your employer about your productivity and where you see yourself going within the company. The same goes for personal action plans. Whether you create a goal-setting mood board and make it your new screen saver, leave yourself a motivational quote on the fridge, or shout your ambitions from the rooftops – make that shit known. Loud and clear!

Plan ahead

So simple, yet so often neglected. Just make a plan. Devising a plan – for anything really – can help to avoid calamity well in advance.

• Make lists. Whether it’s a grocery list for your upcoming planned suppers or a prioritized list of important work tasks. Write it down.
• Making a plan creates a clear purpose that helps to nudge you in the direction of your goals.
• A plan gives you something to look forward to: like a summer vacation or a girls weekend.
• Planning ahead can also increase proactivity and may help one’s life path and decision making.

Out with the bad and in with the good

If something, like a workout or even your nine to five, no longer provides any enjoyment – then just stop doing it! Double down on what inspires you and weed out what deprives you.

What inspires you? Download this FREE questionnaire to help discover what you’re passionate about.

• Learn a new language.

• Start running again.

• Take the plunge and start that business you’ve been contemplating for months.

• Take up photography.

How are you setting yourself up to succeed in 2023?

When in doubt, just have some fun!

When in doubt – just have fun! Whether that’s an impromptu road trip with the fam or opening an Etsy shop on a mindless whim. Just go with it and enjoy yourself.