A New Year Requires A New Approach
The best way to approach each new year is with intentionality. There are fresh opportunities for you to explore. However, if you fail to go after them with purpose, you will aimlessly walk through the year.
A few years ago, my life was a bit disheveled. I spent a couple of years focused on what was going wrong instead of what I could do to improve my situation. I had to change my focus, but how? My fixation on what had happened caused me to lose sight of all the possibilities and worse, my lack of direction.
At the start of the new year, a friend invited me to a vision board party. There were a series of questions to answer before I got started on the board. One question asked what three words can be used to define the year? I did not know how to answer the question, so I skipped it.
As I began working on the board, I cut out words that appealed to me. Words that described who I once was and who I wanted to be. As I gave myself permission to dream and envision the year, I started to put the phrases on the board. As a lady passed by, she said, "I thought a vision board is supposed to have pictures." She said with sarcasm in her voice. I replied, "It is my vision board, I can do what I like." Right? I questioned my approach but quickly shook it off.
I had never completed a vision board, but at that moment it did not matter. I was going to complete it my way because it was working. I had an enthusiasm that I had not experienced in a long time.
After my vision board was nearly complete, I looked down at it and asked myself, what three words do I need to live out the phrases in front of me. As I read through them, it was apparent. I needed to be intentional, determined, and focused. I lacked all three for quite some time and was aimlessly maneuvering through life. That day and those words were the start of my new journey.
I launched my business that year. Since then, I have also completed two degrees and accomplished other goals that had been lingering for a while. Despite the obstacles I face, I choose to concentrate on those items I can control. Although I select new words to help shape my year, those three words are now foundational for my life's journey.
Regardless of what 2019 has in store, whether there are missteps or confusion, navigate through it with purpose. There is a world of possibilities, and it is up to you to pursue them.
Stay intentional.
Intentionality will keep you moving in the right direction during those uncertain times.
Stay determined. Determination will drive you to your next destination.
Stay focused. Focusing on your goals will give you targets to hit when you seem to get off track.
A new year requires a new approach. Leap into the year with intentionality! What three words will define 2019 for you? Leave them in the comments below.
About Author
Angela Garmon, with ARG Coaching and Consulting Group, works with leaders, who are overwhelmed and frustrated with changes in their organizations. These leaders want to bring their team together and produce results. Connect with us to discuss some viable solutions to move your team closer to their goals cultivate@argccgroup.com.
