When January rolls around the phrase “New Year, New You” is plastered throughout marketing and promotional material everywhere.
Always makes me wonder about the old me.
What I know for sure is that if there is anything about the 2013 version of me that I didn’t like, it’s unlikely that any change will occur unless I set the intention and plan of action to change it. For many people, losing weight, getting in shape, or starting an exercise program are common proclamations of how they intend to enter this new year.
The same goes not just for my body, but my life. Whether it’s my business, my spiritual life, creative expression, relationships, adventures, or home improvement, a map to help navigate the way is vital, as well as taking dedicated time to craft that map.
This year I used Leonie Dawson’s 2014 Create Your Amazing Year Workbook. I tackled both the life and biz versions, but frankly sometimes it’s hard to separate work and life, mainly because it’s the same me showing up for both, and dang if there aren’t a lot of parallels!
Leonie’s workbook is whimsical, fun, and challenging. It’s colorful. It’s cool. It makes me smile. But don’t let that fool you, it’s not all Crayolas and rainbows. It makes me think, really think, about what I want for the new me in 2014. Or the old me, simply emerging in new and different ways or exploring unexpected paths and hidden desires. It also helps me put closure to, and celebrate 2013.
I set aside the better part of a day to take on the workbook (and I’m not through yet!). I know that’s not feasible for many people, but as an entrepreneur, it’s par for the course (and essential) to invest time in business planning, and it’s simply a bonus to incorporate the other areas of my life in the process.
I started at Caffeine, one of my favorite cafes, with a steaming cup of coffee (French Toast flavored, yum!). Then moved on to The Stand, a hip vegan joint, for a cup of Vegetable Curry soup and Green Juice, then finally to the library. I wrapped up the experience at home in the tub so that I could reflect on the experience.
Is it complete? No. Will it ever be? Probably not. It is dynamic, changing and will morph and develop as life throws it’s unexpected twists and turns into my path in 2014. But when I start to lose focus, feel too overwhelmed, or need inspiration, I have a road map to help guide me home.
So will it be a New Me in 2014? No, I’m planning on the same old me, but with clear intentions, slightly uncomfortable goals, and hopes and desires that support my values and craft a course that will bring abundance, joy and ease.
My journey in photos…..
