Out with the Old, In with the New: Setting Intentions for the New Year
As the clock ticks down to midnight on December 31st, we stand on the precipice of a brand new year. The excitement of new beginnings fills the air, yet before we rush to set our intentions for the year ahead, it’s crucial to first bid farewell to the past. The concept of “out with the old, in with the new” is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a powerful practice for personal growth and transformation.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before setting your intentions for the new year, take time to reflect on what the past year has brought you. Consider the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the lessons received. This time of reflection can provide valuable insights to help you move forward.
Steps to Reflect:
Journaling: Write down your experiences from the past year. Take time to write down your wins, your accomplishments and take a pause to celebrate them, feel that sense of success and abundance in all you have done this past year. Then take time to reflect on challenges or obstacles you had this year. Take time to reflect on the lesson these offered to you, and how you moved forward from them. Focusing on both the positive and the negative offers perspective to help you move forward.
Meditation: Spend time in quiet reflection, allowing yourself to process the emotions and experiences of the year. Sit with your feelings, reflect and honor yourself and your journey.
Discussion: Talk with a trusted friend or family member about your reflections. Sometimes, verbalizing your thoughts can bring clarity.
Letting Go of What Holds You Back
During your time of reflection some things may rise to the surface that you need to shed or let go of in order to accomplish your 2026 goals. Taking the time to llet go of the things that have been holding you back is an important piece of moving forward This might include:
Negative self talk that no longer serve you and that hinder your personal growth.
Limiting beliefs that keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Negative habits that drain your energy and motivation.
Releasing these burdens creates the space for new energy and intentions to flow into your life. Think of it as clearing out a garden—you must remove the weeds before planting new seeds.
Creating Space for New Intentions
Once you’ve let go of the old and reflected on the past, you’re ready to set your intentions for the new year. Here’s how to create and work towards your goals:
Steps to Set Intentions:
Visualize Your Ideal Year: Imagine what you want to achieve. What does success look like for you at the end of the year?
Set SMART Goals: Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to define your goals clearly.
Create an Action Plan: Break down each goal into actionable steps. What can you do each month, week, or day to move closer to your goal?
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable. Be prepared to adapt your plans as needed without losing sight of your intentions.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. This helps maintain motivation and momentum.
Embracing the New Year
With the old year behind you and your intentions set, step confidently into the new year. Embrace the opportunities it brings, and remember that each day is a chance to live intentionally and passionately. As you journey through the year, keep in mind that letting go of the old is not just a once-a-year event but a continuous practice that allows for growth and renewal.
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Create a healthy living vision for 2026 for yourself! In this free workshop you will create a healthy living vision for yourself and connect the dots backwards to create action steps to lead you accomplish this vision over the next year! Workshop will include visualization, brainstorming, action steps and a follow up session with Jill. All complimentary! if this date/time does not work for you. Reach out for a 1:1 session today
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Here’s to a year of new beginnings, personal growth, and the creation of the life you’ve always envisioned. Happy New Year!