So, it’s the New Year . . .
How’s your headspace?
A. Still in a bit of a Netflix / Baileys / chocolate fug with the duvet over your head?
B. Ready to take down the decorations and gently embrace 2021?
C. Clear as the full moon sky and as sharp as a craft knife?
Well, either way, I hope I can help you transition at your desired pace.
Personally, I’m at B at the moment. But by my official return to my laptop on Tuesday, I’ll definitely be closer to C (…prepping for my three new coaching clients, and writing two commissioned articles for the press. But I’m going to take it VERY SLOWLY).
New Year New You… B*llshit?
It’s all very well having a lovely planner, or a gorgeous new journal, or an amazing vision-board, but without the clear INTENTION and the specific ACTION you’re actually leaving things up to chance and nothing’s likely to change or come to fruition.
Your Planning Mindset
So, here’s a very brief version of my psychological approach to help get you in a frame of mind so you can get super-clear on what you want to be, do, have or create in 2021 (by the way, you can still download the free Lifestyle Review guide here):
1. Who’s goals are they anyway?
When you’re writing your 2021 goals, revisit them every few days to check that they are your goals, things that you want to be, do, have or create… and that you’re not trying to meet someone else’s expectations.
2. How you feel in this moment will affect what you focus on as your goals for 2021.
It can be tempting to jump straight into goal-setting or vision-boarding – writing, drawing, mapping out or cutting out magazine images, but first you need to get clear on your intentions.
If you’ve woken up feeling agitated, for example, park your planing until you feel at ease. Start by taking three deep breaths in and out, exhaling for longer with each breath to activate your parasympathetic nervous system that calms your body and mind.
3. Give your Inner Critic a back seat
Inevitably, your inner critic, and other limiting self-beliefs, will surface as you are working through your Lifestyle Review or goals-setting exercise. This is unpleasant but it’s completely normal.
Now, instead of pushing these negative, self-doubting thoughts away or denying their existence, do the opposite: get closer to them. Try to be consciously aware of specific critical thoughts, notice the resistance that surfaces, notice any tension in your body, and acknowledge that it is normal for you to have concerns and anxiety or doubt about your ability etc. (refer to the Lifestyle Review for details).
Remember this: You can choose what your mind focuses on. Where your mind wants to wonder off and dream up the worst-case scenario, you can take the reins and bring your attention back to this moment and the task at hand.
What’s available for you now
Lifestyle Review – Freebie
Because you CAN control and influence things! 2020 has had a huge impact on our mindset, family and work. And NOW is a great time to take stock and plan for your future. Get super-clear on what you want to be, do and have. You deserve to live your best life.
Lifestyle Review – LIVE (£37)
Upgrade from the freebie and join me for a lively interactive one hour coaching call to plan your best 2021. You’ll get super-clear on what you want to be, do and have with my insights, tips, resources, and support. Plus a LIVE Q&A. Come! 13th Jan, 12noon GMT (replay available). Limited spaces! Book your spot here
Tame Your Inner Critic – LIVE (£37)
Join this 5 day amazingly popular programme (over 1,000 participants). From the reviews, it’s clear that the results for some have been phenomenal. £37 is an absolute bargain (it barely covers admin costs) – you get so much bang for your buck, not just content but the immediate daily support from me and a potentially huge positive impact on your life. For info and to claim your spot, go here
Beaming positive light your way!
Jess
Jess Baker CPsychol, AFBPsS
ps. join me and others on the live Lifestyle Review coaching session on the 13th, come in your onesie, bring a journal and a cuppa, and plan your way into 2021.
pps. As you know, I work as a Trustee with a girls/young women charity called BeleveUK. Our mission is to empower girls with the confidence and skills to be our future leaders. Could you be mentor, a donor, or support us in other ways?