How is your Year going so far?

At the time of writing this post, we have marked the end of the second week of 2023. It already feels like it has been a very long two weeks. Some of us are having the year we set out to have, and some are not yet there. As I wrapped up my day, I reflected on how hard we can be on ourselves for not following our new goals, intentions, or resolutions for the year. 
 
In this blog post, we will rekindle our fire for this year with the help of five thoughts. Check out some of the "Her Plan" posts for tips and resources for having your best year yet.
 
#1: You still have 50 more weeks in 2023
The new year has just started, and there are many more weeks left in the year to accomplish your goals. Staying strong for the journey's length helps you be successful. With that being said, there are lessons that we can learn from how the last two weeks went. The main realization that I came to was that I am packing my calendar because I keep telling myself that I need to frontload all the work so I can have a more relaxed year. I need to allow myself to relax in line with my intention of settling down this year.  
 
Questions to reflect on

• How will you pace yourself over the whole year?
• What lessons did you learn over the past two weeks? 

 
#2: You will need some patience
Especially if you set bold goals for your year, you will need time and patience as you work towards them. The changes that we need to make in our lives in order to accomplish bold goals are very significant. Be patient with yourself and others around you. It is essential to keep working towards your goals and not give up on the next 50 weeks only because of how the first two weeks have been for you.
 
Questions to reflect on

• What significant changes do you need to make? 
• What small steps and changes can you make to accomplish your big goals?

 
#3: You need to practice new behaviors
When life gets busy, it is very easy to fall back and do things that come naturally to us. One of the things that became very clear this year is that I have been doing what I wanted to leave in 2022. I need to start learning new habits to have the year I want.
 
Questions to reflect on

• What old behaviors do you need to let go of?
• What new habits do you need to learn to be successful this year?

 
#4: You can learn valuable lessons from reflecting
Taking the time to reflect on the last two weeks allows you to adjust for the coming weeks. One of the valuable lessons that I have learned about accomplishing goals is that it is important to check on your progress regularly. That way, you know the progress you are making and are aware of what you need to be doing differently.
 
Questions to reflect on

• What did you learn from your reflection on the past two weeks?
• What actions are you planning to take over the next two weeks?

 
#5: You have what it takes to have a great year
Many of our worries and concerns come from a place of not believing that we can succeed. Some things will come to you more effortlessly, and others will take much more work. The truth is that you have what it takes. Keep believing that you will be successful and have a great year.
 
Questions to reflect on

• Who are the people who can be your accountability partners and cheerleaders on this journey?
• How will you celebrate your progress (no matter how small)?

 
Final Thoughts
I really wanted to write this blog post to encourage others and myself who need the extra spark at this time of the year. In a few months, we will look back on this time and the feeling we had and smile about the progress that we have made.