Wow –  2023 is almost complete!

When talking with friends and colleagues about the end of the year, one thing I’ve noticed is that people often talk about the things they DIDN’T do in 2023.

This often leads to a series of “self-beat-up” comments as they talk about their unfulfilling job, weight they didn’t lose, time not spent connecting with their kids, etc.

While it might be easy for us to see what we didn’t accomplish (especially if our 2024 goals turn out to be the same as our 2023 goals), I’d like to invite you to take a few minutes and celebrate what you DID accomplish. 

Success begets success. A shift in this thinking can help both you and the children in your life create success in the new year. If you look closely, I bet there is a lot to celebrate.

Here are a few practices to help you on your way:

1. Be ready to celebrate by documenting your successes! 

A fun activity is to create a “Success Jar.” It’s a great activity for both adults and kids.

How does it work? Start the year with an empty jar and then fill it with notes about anything good that happened throughout the year. Then on New Year’s Eve, or whenever you need a pick-me-up, open up the jar and celebrate all the good things that you’ve made happen!

2. Create success in the new year by picking just 3 things to focus on.

Often when writing New Year’s resolutions, people will create a list of 20+ things as they envision a life of “perfection.” This just sets them up for disappointment.

If you can pick just three things to focus on, then you will have a higher chance of success. Once you’ve accomplished those three things, then you can add additional goals to your list if you want to. There are no rules saying that goals and resolutions can only be made in January!

Remember to add your goals to your vision board. (If you don’t have a vision board, creating one would be another fun holiday and year-end activity).

3. Declare “how much by when.”

Don’t just say, “I’m going to spend more time with my kids” or “I want to make a positive impact on the lives of children this year.” Build a plan. Here is an example of “how much by when” for the resolution of “spend more time with my kids”:

• Once each month, I’m going to do a fun one-on-one activity with each of my children
• Once each week we will have a family game night
• Twice each month we will have a family movie night.

4. Take time to celebrate along the way – reward yourself!

Each time you add an accomplishment to your Success Jar, celebrate – no matter how big or small your success.  Review your successes each month and reward yourself with a special treat.

We’re wishing you a spectacular 2024 with tons of fun and successes!

– Renaye and the Adventures in Wisdom Team

 

*** The end ***

Adventure well, my friend!

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