New beginnings

A whole new year with new beginnings and new dreams lies ahead of us. New opportunities, blank slates, infinite options, and possibilities. Isn’t it both wonderful and daunting at the same time?

I like to start the new year curled up on the sofa watching the New Year’s Concert from Vienna. It is the perfect way to come back into myself after all the Christmas activity of dinner parties, family time and great ideas of how to spend my time that somehow turns out to remain in the land of good intentions. The first of January is my day for planning and dreaming, for hearing myself think and for enjoying some quiet time.

Get your stuff in order

I like to spend the first days of January getting things in order and to lay the foundation for the new year. I back up all my files and make sure they are safe in the cloud or on external hard drives. (Yes, I still use that for those extra important cannot lose files and photos). Files I no longer need are deleted, new folders created, websites updated, and my desk cleaned and ready. Client files are updated, social media plan created, themes for blog post sorted and I am ready!

Somehow I just work better and can be a lot more creative when my space is clean and uncluttered. For some, it is the other way around, but for me, that just does not work. With a tidy and clean office, clear desk and updated files I can get to work and feel happy about it.

Dreaming ahead

Over the last weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about 2019 and what it might hold. What do I want from this bright new year ahead of us? When I look back a year from now what do I want to have accomplished? Who do I want to be? This last one is such a typical coaching question so let me give you some context with it.

If I want to dream big, reach and accomplish certain things I need to look at who I want to be to achieve my goals. What are some behaviors and attitudes that would support me? Are there certain character traits I would need to develop? Do I need to be determined, patient, courageous, kind? Will I need to build more stamina? Be a better listener?

Doing or being?

We cannot just do, we have to look at who we are and what kind of impact we want to create as we move towards our goals, stretch towards our aspirations or boldly step into living our dream. Asking ourselves what we might need to change or let go off to be more of who we want to be is important. Maybe you have this image of yourself that does not quite line up with who you really are? Or you might be telling yourself a story that prevents you from moving ahead in your life? Look closely, see what you find and change it to something that is more aligned with who you truly want to be.

Consistency is key

Often when we talk about the new year; and particularly if we enter big dreams into it; it can feel unreal and unachievable. It takes a fair amount of courage and a bit of craziness to dream big. New year resolutions, on the other hand, often become obsolete by the end of January and we end up feeling like a failure for not following through.

Dreaming comes from the heart, you can feel deep inside that it fills you with all kinds of tingling emotions, fear included. It does take courage, but dreams do not have to be huge and grand to make a difference to you and give your life meaning and an extra boost! Start with a small dream to practice! Take small steps in the right direction, one at the time, consistently and determined and you will succeed! You will build self-esteem as you experience that you can trust yourself to be one who keeps their word!

Why is dreaming important?

Dreaming is important for so many reasons. Nothing in this world would exist if people were not dreaming. Everything around you once started with a dream, a thought, a creative idea that turned into manifestation. With a fresh new year ahead of us it is the perfect time to dream. To shape your future instead of letting your future shape you.

Take charge and get into the driver’s seat of your life if you have taken the passengers seat for too long. If you have been driving for too long it might be time to rest a bit. Dreaming does not always mean doing. At the essence, it means listening inside to what is important and meaningful to you and then act on what comes up.

Create a new beginning

In the end, it comes down to a few simple things. This year can be YOUR beginning. Your chance to create something new and to rise above your circumstances and obstacles. Ask yourself:

What sustains you from within?

What makes your heart sing?

 

Cheering you on as you dream up your life and create your new beginnings!