ACHIEVE MORE IN 2020!!

Throughout 2019, I kept a record of how I was doing both personally and professionally. This has given me a clear view of what I want/need to achieve in the new year. One of the reasons I get excited about the festive season is because I like to set aside some time for myself to think back on the year I've had (using my record of notes) and, with that, get ready to do better going forward.

Ask yourself this question:
What can I put in place right now to help me start 2020 in the best possible way?

REFLECTION

Phone on silent and placed in another room, centre yourself in a quiet and clutter-free space. Then, with your day to day diary, if you keep one (if not, use your memory), look back on each month and make a note of what your monthly goals were. With those you did not achieve, write down any obstacles and be honest with yourself about how realistic and necessary those goals are to enable you to decide if they should be added to your 2020 list with ideas on what you can/will do differently to succeed.

CONNECTIONS

After you have reflected on your achievements, take some time to think about any relationships that were damaged and if there are positive reasons for repair. You can then think of practical ways to reconcile if you choose to. If the choice is to leave things as they are, make sure you identify a genuine and valuable reason for this so you’re able to move forward without carrying with you the burden of the ties being cut.

If someone (or something) continues to cause you pain and upset, it might be wise to let them go. Likewise, if there are people in your life who are always good to you, whom you’ve realised you don’t make even half the effort with, be kinder to them and show them your appreciation. They will not be around forever. Neither will you.

YOUR MANTRA

Something that has helped me to get through the more challenging days this year is having my own motivational phrases (on the walls at home, written down and also memorised) that I can say aloud or quietly to myself to keep me focused, positive and strong both mentally and emotionally. For me, this has worked better than having an inspiring quote saved as the screensaver on my phone so, this will continue to be my go-to motivation tool in 2020.

Here are some of my fave mantra’s (these are not my own):

1. “I am enough”.

2. “I am fearless”.

3. “I am a force for good”.

4. “I am attracting all the love I dream of and deserve”.

ABANDON YOUR COMFORT ZONE

When was the last time you took a spontaneous trip alone or ticked something off your bucket list without waiting for a friend or loved one to be available to accompany you? One of the best ways to continue learning and developing is to go out into the world alone (obviously as safe as possible). There is everything right with spending time in your own company. You don’t need to venture far or spend a silly amount of money to have a great (solo) time!

Last month, I took a lunchtime walk in a direction I’d not been before. I had no idea where I was going and didn’t recognise any of the street names. I just walked and made a note of the route I was taking. I discovered new street art, lovely greenery, picturesque locations (that would later make for a lovely photo-shoot) and I also met someone who (through a brief chat) reminded me that life only truly happens when you take a walk beyond familiarity. Real talk! It was an awesome conversation.

INDULGE - you deserve to, right?

For the ultimate relaxation, I love to soak in a very hot bath, filled with my fave products from Lush and a good book! For a sense of peace and to give myself a break from regular surroundings, I like to visit a certain spot in London during the early hours of the morning – a quiet walk around or meditating in this space is always a winner for my mind. For solo enjoyment, I like to go to the cinema/theatre (again, as early as possible or whenever most likely to be quiet) and with friends, it can be anything if it has all of us laughing!

As the saying goes, “do more of what you love” at every given opportunity! Before the Christmas mayhem gets underway and the 1st of January arrives, I pray that you give yourself the gift of open and honest self-reflection, time to unwind and ease any tension, as well as some time to do something solo.

Now, if you haven't already, go line up your goals for 2020!! FOCUS!
Try not to let yourself be distracted. You've got this!