I love the beginning of January. It’s so fresh and unsullied. We’re full of optimism, and the world seems to overflow with possibility. For many of us, it’s the most hopeful day of the year. 

But then, life intrudes. We go back to work or school and all those dreams of a “New Year, New You” disappear. Faced with the same challenges from last year, we quickly realize that it’s going to take more than a change of date to change our lives for the better.

So what do we do? How can we take our hopes and turn them into our reality? Is it even possible, or are these just pipe dreams fueled by all the carbs we consumed during the holidays?

Absolutely, your dreams are possible! They can become your reality, but it’s going to take more than thinking about them to make it happen. Here are 6 things you can begin doing today to make a difference all year long.

1. Remind yourself that You are Enough. So often we get to the beginning of a new year and want to “fix” everything we perceive is wrong with our lives. While it’s good to want to be better, it’s also important to remember that there is a lot great about you too. Don’t discount the progress you’ve made because you’ve not arrived at your desired destination. Remember to celebrate who you are and what you have already accomplished before you take the next step on your journey. What can you celebrate about you to start the New Year?
2. Focus on ONE Thing. Big goals and life changes take lots of energy. It’s important for us to focus so we can follow through and finish strong. Last year I launched a career Academy, went on an international speaking tour, and dropped a new book. It is POSSIBLE to accomplish multiple goals in one year. The key to your success is to do one thing at a time, so you can deliver excellence and keep your sanity. If you want to experience your highest productivity, prioritize your projects. What’s your FIRST thing for 2019?
3. Make Acceleration not Recreation Your Goal. One of the reasons many of us give up on our goals after just a few weeks is because they are completely unrealistic. We want to recreate our lives, rather than move to the next phase of our journey. Challenge yourself to make SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. You’ll be amazed how much your small victories support your big dreams. What’s your SMART goal?
4. Identify Your Next Step. The possibilities we see are endless and can often overwhelm us. That’s why it’s important that we ground our thinking in the present. Ask yourself, what can I do right now, with what I have, to bring me closer to my goals? Don’t focus on what’s missing. Forget trying to write out a whole plan. Stay present, and mine your current circumstances for the CAN DO. Whenever you feel stuck, go back to this same question. It will put you back in the driver’s seat, focusing your energy where you can be most effective. What can you do today to start making your goals a reality?
5. Speak What You Seek. Say it out loud. Shout it from the rooftops. However you feel most comfortable speak out loud your hopes, dreams, and possibilities for the new year. Want a new job? Say out loud, I will find the right job for me. Have a goal of writing a book? Speak the words – I will be an author. Whatever it is that you desire speak it out loud. Share it with those you love and trust to support your journey. Use your words to remind yourself of your worth and possibility. There is great power in your words. What are you saying to you?
6. Enjoy your Journey. Life is too short to be miserable. If you don’t do anything else this year, make up your mind to enjoy your journey. Have some fun! Don’t get down on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Failure and success are both stepping stones on the path. Through the ups and downs, learn to take delight in the view, knowing that it’s all a part of moving closer to your goals. How can you put a smile on your face today?

My wish for you this year is that the hopes, dreams, and possibilities of today fuel your future realities. You are worthy of having it all. Go get it.