Welcome back! 2020 is a new start and is a time where I am making changes and pursuing things that make me happy. Allure of Madison is a place where I can share my passion for writing and share meaningful topics that hopefully make a difference for someone out there. December was a time of reflection for myself and many others. It is a time where people look back at the year and see the good and bad and decide to make the changes they want to see in their life. Starting the new year is always a time people strive for change and want to make good habits. Whether people make resolutions to eat healthier or go to the gym, it is important to stick with these goals even as January fades away. For me, I wanted to set goals or intentions that I felt that I could keep and would be attainable for not only January but for the rest of the year. There are many things you can do to set yourself on the right track this new year.

1. List goals or things you want to accomplish in 2020.

Make a list of everything that comes to your mind for the new year. When writing this list make it so that everything is possible do not go beyond your reach. If you do not believe it then it will not happen. On this list you could have anything from simply practicing better self-care or a trip to Europe. These goals will help guide your year. Writing them down helps place them in the universe and helps them come to fruition. Try to create a list of between 5-10 items. A smaller more detailed list makes it easier to maintain focus and stick with your goals all year round. Make your goals attainable and aligned with your specific situation. Like if you never go to the gym do not make your goal “go to the gym four times a week”. This will encourage unrealistic standards that will actually decrease your motivation and slow you down before you start. Start with “I will walk every day” or “attend the gym once a week” and gradually increase when you are ready. Setting smart goals will increase the likely hood of you succeeding. Making your goals expand through the year and not ending abruptly with help make it a lifestyle you are able to continue instead of a single accomplishment.

• Make a vision board.

I know not everyone likes arts and crafts, but visualization is key to helping you accomplish these goals. Being able to see these goals and physically checking them off the board will be extremely helpful. You can make a vision board by printing pictures or put items associated with the goal on the board. Place this board somewhere you can see it often to remind yourself of these goals that you have created. If you don’t want to make a board, you could make it digitally as well through apps like PicCollage and have it saved in your phone to remind you. (see above image for my digital vision board for 2020). The images help you imagine and manifest these goals and ideas and turn them into a reality. Once you start talking and thinking about them, they are a constant reminder to you that this is important to you and that taking steps to achieve these goals or visions is important to you.

• State your weaknesses or things that might hold you back.

Once you have created your vision board or written these goals for 2020 somewhere where you can see them it is time to reflect on your past and see your weaknesses. Many people set the same goal every year and when it comes to the end of January the goal fades and becomes a distant memory. It is important to write down your weaknesses or setbacks from previous experiences. When writing these down it helps you come to terms with why you haven’t been successful and how you can become successful. Writing a goal is awesome and is easy to do but when it comes to following through many people do not. Weakness might be time management, laziness, addiction, busy or even loss of interest. Recognizing these weaknesses can help you aspire and create change in your life for the better. Many of your goals may even align with your weaknesses or something you want to improve upon.

• Hold yourself accountable.

This is the most important step of the whole year and the process. As much as you can set goals and manifest your dreams to come true a person cannot go to sleep at night and wake up with a better job or body. You are in charge of your destiny; you are what is going to make this a reality. It might not be easy, but it is up to you to take the correct steps and work hard for these goals. If you want that job go out and take the steps necessary to assist you in achieving that goal. The vision board is there to remind you every day or every once in a while, the plan you laid out for yourself. It is to remind you that you wanted this, and it is important. 2020 could be great if you put in the work and do what you love.

I hope this helps you start off your year on the right foot! Happy first Monday of a brand new year. Try and relax and enjoy this year. Best of luck to everyone.