Just before saying goodbye to 2023 – and really, every year – I like to stop and reflect on what I experienced. Which dreams did I fulfil? Which areas did I explore? Who did I surround myself with this year? As I reflect, I also set myself intentions for the new year. These intentions aren't just a list of goals. They're a statement of purpose – promises I make to myself for a year that will bring self-improvement and make my future self proud.
The art of reflection
Before writing my intentions for the coming year, I take a moment to reflect on the year I'm leaving behind. What were my wins? What lessons can I learn from the challenges along the way? This reflection is my compass, guiding me toward future decisions.
Setting meaningful goals
I identify which areas of my life matter most to me in terms of growth – whether that's personal growth, health, relationships or experiences – and let them be the stars that guide me through the coming year.
Let's be realistic
Yes, the sky's the limit – but the most successful goals are grounded in reality. I break bigger goals into specific, achievable steps, which not only makes them manageable but gives me a roadmap for progress throughout the year.
If my main goal is to master a handstand, I know the road is long. First I'll start shifting weight into my hands without lifting my legs. I'll practise several times until I feel stable enough to move on.
In the next stage – maybe a week later, maybe a few months – I'll try lifting my legs near a wall. I know it will be hard at first, but I'll trust that it's part of the process. When I feel confident enough, I'll try lifting my legs away from the wall, knowing it's behind me to support me.
After enough practice of those two stages, and once I feel ready to move on, I'll try a handstand without the wall. Maybe one of the instructors can spot me and help.
Reaching each of these milestones moves me one step closer to my main goal.
Recalculating the route
Setting goals isn't about the end point – it's about the journey. I choose to look at which ways of working are good for me and which I need to learn to let go of. Instead of fixating on the final result, I embrace the process of change and nurture habits and behaviours that support my journey.
If my goal is to strengthen my abs but something in the classic ab exercises – crunches, for example – doesn't work for me, then instead of insisting on an exercise that isn't helping, I'll talk to my instructor and together we'll find exercises that strengthen my core and suit me and my needs, like side-to-side work. Holding on to a path that doesn't serve me won't get me to my goal – it'll just frustrate me again and again.
I'm not alone
To build a support system, I share my goals with the people closest to me. My family and friends are my personal cheerleaders, and I trust them to support me along the way – and even give me strength to keep going.
Learning from mistakes
Resilience is the foundation of reaching goals. Failures aren't roadblocks; they're opportunities to learn and grow. I know I'll hit obstacles on this journey, but every challenge is a chance to come out stronger, wiser and more determined.
To health
I know that for all this to happen, I need a healthy routine and quality of life. Whether it's committing to regular exercise, a steady yoga and Pilates practice, or nourishing my body with a balanced diet, a foundation of wellbeing always improves my ability to reach and keep my goals.
Celebrating progress
Throughout the year I celebrate the small wins. Every milestone is proof of my commitment and effort, and noticing those moments boosts my motivation to keep going.
Managed more reps of an exercise that used to be hard? Well done me! Made progress toward the splits? Time to celebrate! So what if I'm not all the way down yet – I know how to appreciate the moments that once felt so far away and were part of getting there, and I know I'll keep going!
Every year anew, I try to make my dreams come true.
2024, get ready – here I come.
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