Setting my intention for the new year

Happy New Year! I hope this blog post finds you well and you had a truly magical holiday. As always, I felt the festive season went too quickly, which is why I approach January with an extra dose of care and compassion. This means taking things slowly while continuing to graze on my Christmas chocolates!

Last week I enjoyed reconnecting with my routine. It was a joy to get into the swing of things and to meet with a few of my clients. I’m excited to see what ideas, plans and intentions we can develop together over the coming months.

I’ve also been reflecting on 2018, while planning what I’d like from the shiny new year ahead. As a rule, I like to make plans and set goals while remaining open to ideas and opportunities as they arise. I think it’s fun to set out with a general direction in mind and see what gifts appear along the way. While I don’t usually choose a word to guide me, I noticed the word ‘connection’ coming up over and over. Here are some of the ways I see it shaping the months ahead. It feels good to set an intention for the new year.

Setting my intention for the new year

Connection with myself

In 2019, I’d like to be a little more mindful of how I’m feeling and what direction I’m being guided towards. This is because I find there’s often an internal battle between what I want to do and what I think I should do – know the feeling? My goal is to let go of the pressure I put on myself, to allow things to flow naturally. I know this is easier said than done but I’m willing to give it a go!

I’d also like to continue to learn who I am and what legacy I’d like to leave the world. Although I believe this is an ongoing journey, I’ve certainly noticed I’m better able to connect with my inner voice when I quieten my mind through creativity, exercise, meditation or by switching off and getting outside. My aim is to get to the heart of what I truly want from this chapter of my life as I approach my 45th year on this beautiful planet.

Last week I started Julia Cameron’s 12-week programme called The Artist’s Way. It’s something I’ve wanted to try for many years and I’m looking forward to connecting with my creative self in a more intentional way. I’m already seeing the value of writing the morning pages – a process of writing a three-page stream of consciousness. I’m hoping the discipline of getting my thoughts down on paper will help me to better understand myself and where I’d like to go next.

In addition to this, I plan to read one lifestyle, self-care or personal/professional development book a month (I’ve just finished You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero and started The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey – taking me ahead of my schedule!), continue to attend as many talks and business courses as my time permits and apply for my coaching accreditation. I love learning and Oxford is a brilliant city to learn, develop and grow.

Connection with others

I see this happening in a few areas of my life – from being generous with the time I spend with family and friends, to continuing to enjoy insightful and impactful conversations with my clients. My goal each year is to meet as many new people as I can, and this will continue to be a priority. As an extrovert (Myers Briggs ENFJ), I love being in the company of others, hearing their stories and sharing ideas. I think there’s an abundance of wisdom and value to be found in everyday conversations.

With a desire for a greater sense of connection, I also plan to spend less time online. To support me, I’ve already deleted all the social media apps from my phone and removed my Facebook profile, keeping only my business page. Although I think the digital world is an excellent way to meet like-minded folk, in recent years I feel it’s stopped me from forming and nurturing deeper relationships in the real world. So, my intention for the new year is to connect more and consume less.

Connection with the world

I would also like to feel a greater sense of belonging – a tricky one to achieve when you work freelance! This is something I recently explored with my coach. I’ve been pondering a few options from voluntary/part-time work to getting more involved in my local community. I haven’t quite figured out how this will look, but I’m excited to see where it could lead. Right now, I’m keeping my options open to see what emerges.

In addition to this, I would like to achieve a deeper connection with the environment. The findings of last year’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report saddened me and I’ve been trying to make more informed lifestyle choices ever since. Although I buy very little, my plan is to try to only purchase items that need replacing, while being mindful of where they’re produced, how they’re packaged and so on. I’m also looking into other ways I can make a positive change and help out.

A time of change

It feels good to set a positive intention for the new year. I hope that by focusing on my desire for connection, I can let the word gently guide me through the year. I can feel this is going to be a time of change and I’m open to new ideas and possibilities. I’d love to know if you’ve selected a word to shape your year – please let me know in the comments.

Further reading

Uncover your dreams and aspirations for the year ahead
12 insightful questions to help you plan your year
Practical tips to help you reach your goals

Thank you for reading. I wish you a beautiful and inspiring month ahead. Until next time, I’ll see you over on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.