We should all be grateful for the fact that we have another year of opportunity and mistake. Another year of obstacles and optimism. I used to loathe the idea of a “fresh start” starting January 1^st but who is to say that we can’t have one? I don’t usually buy into the New Year’s resolutions. Although, I am all for the idea of starting fresh. Why not use this time to realign your goals with your actions? Why not get an action plan in place to help you make this year your best year yet? We are all just one hour, day, and month away from living the life we deserve. Life is about choices. Your choices closely reflect your circumstances. Who is ready to make new choices? (raises hand) I vow to make this year about me and be a be a finisher in this season.

I have a hard time prioritizing anything where it benefits only myself. I have a hard time showing up for myself. I realized that I don’t take my own goals and priorities seriously. being a mom, fiancé, supervisor (by day), sister, and a friend, I pride myself in my commitment to others. I pride myself in getting things done for other people. My identity has evolved around serving others both in and out of work. This year though! This year I will make my goals my primary priority. Use these five easy tips to take back your year.

#1. Set 3 realistic goals.

Don’t make the mistake of setting up an overwhelming list. Pick three areas that you want to focus on then put into words what those goals looks like. For example, one of my areas of focus is finances. My goal for 2019 is to pay down debt. I have a very aggressive and realistic goal to pay down over 15k of debt this year using the snow ball method. I could have just set a random dollar amount that sounds good and figured out if it was plausible later but instead, I calculated what is realistic and feasible.

We have a family of 5 and random expenses seem to come up. Select a goal and calculate an overview of how you can make this a reality. Setting goals allows you to acknowledge what you want out of your life. It allows you to set the outline and direction for your upcoming year. What are you three goals for the rest of the year?

#2. Get a planner

Get your (yo) life and get a planner. I am pro planner. I should get that on t-shirt. Planners are one of the only tools that I use to keep me focused and excited. Something about a new planner for the year that just tickles my feathers. I always end up buying 2-3 planners every year until I find the right fit. Now, you don’t need to be overzealous like me, you can get a simple planner to get the job done but if you are a little bit on the “extra” side get you a planner that speaks to you. I love stickers, colored pens, folders, etc. The key is to find a planner that you enjoy using so that you will actually use it.

#3. Be Consistent

You could spend the entire day setting the best plan for your course of action but if you don’t include movement you won’t get anything accomplished. It is easy to talk about what we want out of our lives but it is completely different to actually go after it. Don’t let another year go by without taking these next hours, days, and months to move yourself in the direction that you deserve. Consistency is essential if you want to build the life you envision for yourself. What do you need to change in your day to hold your commitment to yourself? How are you making the most of your day? I am not a morning person (by any means) but I have made an effort to incorporate getting up between 4:30-5AM every morning.

There are only so many hours in the day so I have to carve out a regimen that will allow me to work towards my goals. Is sleep more important than accomplishing the things that can change your life? I personally don’t think so. I am a nite owl but I also want to get up early. I am not at a place in my life where my body will allow me to have both so I have to force myself sometimes to wind down, put my phone away, and actually “sleep”. What bad habits do you need to re-evaluate and develop a new regimen to support your goals? Your goals are just words until you water them with consistency.

#4. Keep your goals visual

I have a hard time staying focused if I don’t have a constant visual of what I am working towards. If you write things down but never revisit them, what will keep you focused when derailment kicks in? Vision Boards are a great way to stay focused, considering they aren’t just sitting in your storage closet or under your bed. I decided to keep my vision board in my living room, where I spend most of my time. This way I am constantly reminded of what I could be doing to move myself along. Even if your 2019 goals are printed out and pasted on your home door. You have to do whatever you need to stay focused. What will you do to keep the momentum going well into the New Year?

#5. Be grateful

Sometimes in creating goals, we reflect on what could be better or improved that we forget to appreciate where we are. We can forget to be humble and grateful on our journey to improvement. Your current situation may be someone else’s goal. Remember that! Be grateful for what you have and don’t have. There is always a reason. Maybe you weren’t ready yet for your desired situation. I don’t believe that anything happens for no reason. Everything is for the betterment of you, including the good and bad. Take a moment to really appreciate the things and people in your life.

Take a moment and think about all that I have purposed. Write down your takeaways and get a new plan to have a more meaningful life. Sometimes we just need to forgive ourselves for not getting it right before. We need to forgive ourselves for whatever weighs on us regarding our past actions and experiences. We can only move forward. You are not yesterday…..just right now. Your past is a predictor of your future because we allow it to be. We can redirect our course of direction at any time. I hope you believe in you and much as I do. This year does not have to be like all the previous. It can be different. What is one thing you will do differently this year?

I originally wrote this to share with my email subscribers. If you would like to get helpful easy life tips sent to your inbox 1 to 2 times per month, Join 7,987 motivated women that subscribe and follow me (click here). You will also receive a free daily planner printable to help with getting thy life!

As always Fear Less, Love More, and Drink moderately.