Planning the Life You Want & the Steps to Get there
As the year winds down, December is the perfect time to reflect on what’s been and look toward what’s possible. Rather than setting a rigid list of resolutions, try thinking about the upcoming year as a blank canvas, waiting for the brushstrokes of your dreams, values, and intentions.
Reflect Before You Dream
Before we dive into what the future holds, let’s start with a simple exercise: gratitude. December has a way of reminding us of all the little (and big) things we may have overlooked. Take a moment to think back—what moments, experiences, or even lessons are you grateful for this year?
Feeling a bit stuck? No worries! I have a free worksheet you can download on the Free Tools tab of the website. It’s filled with prompts to guide you through envisioning the year ahead with clarity and intention. Let’s keep going!
Imagine Your Ideal Day
Rather than focusing on big, sweeping goals, try imagining a day in the life you want to lead next year. How do you want to feel when you wake up each morning? Who are you spending time with, and what are you doing that brings you joy and purpose? Envisioning this ideal day can help you spot patterns in what you truly value.
This exercise can be quite eye-opening, and if you’d like more structure, the downloadable worksheet breaks it down step-by-step.
Anchoring Your Year with Core Intentions
Once you have that ideal day in mind, think about what intentions would bring it to life. Rather than chasing a long list of goals, try setting two or three core intentions. These might sound like “I want to make time for creativity,” or “I want to feel more connected to the people around me.” Think of intentions as guiding stars—clear but flexible.
The Power of Quarterly Themes
An entire year can feel overwhelming, so consider breaking it into seasons or quarters. Setting a theme for each quarter allows you to focus on a few areas at a time, creating space for deeper, more meaningful progress. Your first quarter theme could be “Health and Well-being,” while spring may focus on “Connection and Relationships.” Seasonal themes keep things interesting and allow you to adapt and grow, as the year unfolds.
Building Reflection into Your Year
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to build a habit of regular reflection. Weekly and monthly check-ins will keep you connected to your intentions and give you a chance to adjust as needed.
Taking the time to envision your next year is a gift to yourself, one that can bring so much clarity and joy as the new year unfolds. And remember, if you want a little extra help, you can grab the free downloadable worksheet on the Free Tools tab. It’s there to help you think deeply, capture your thoughts, and create an inspiring vision for the life you want.
Envisioning the life you want is a beautiful first step toward creating a year that feels intentional and fulfilling. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress, growth, and honoring what’s most meaningful to you.
Want a Weekly Journaling Prompt?
If you’d like extra guidance, join our Hey Life Happens community for exclusive weekly prompts that guide you through intentional planning, reflection, and personal growth. We’re here to help you create a life that feels full of purpose & truly yours! 🌼
