49. A Pressure-Free Way to Reflect on the New Year
Happy New Year’s Eve! This time of year can feel exciting, but it can also come with a lot of pressure—to reflect, set big goals, and start fresh all at once. In today’s episode, I want to remind you that you don’t have to do any of that. If goal setting feels like just one more thing on an already full plate, you’re allowed to opt out. And if you are craving something simple and meaningful, I share a gentle vision exercise toward the end of the episode that I’ve returned to many times throughout my life and always find impactful.
I start the episode by sharing what we’re doing for New Year’s Eve this year—including the honest truth about how long it’s been since my husband and I have actually gone out together to celebrate. We’re spending the day at Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells, WI, and I’m sharing what I recommend you do (and don’t do) if you ever visit for the first time. We’re also heading out with friends for dinner and a night on the town, and I share the restaurant we’re checking out plus other ideas if you’re ever planning a night out in the Dells.
I also dive into the reality of a 14-day break from school and daycare. If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids busy over a long break, I share what we’ll be doing—from library trips and children’s museums to indoor waterparks at local hotels. I also talk about something new I’m trying this year with our kids’ Christmas presents that I’m hoping buys us a little extra entertainment.
Toward the end of the episode, I walk through a vision and goal exercise that invites you to dream without restrictions. If you plan to listen along, try to be somewhere you can write your answers down. I’ve listed the questions below so you can come back to them anytime.
If you had no restrictions, what would you do? If you had all the time in the world, didn’t get paid, and your experience and education level didn’t matter, what would you do?
What does it feel like to wake up every morning energized by what you do? What does that look like?
What does your ideal day look like?
What is the most important to you? What do you value most?
Where do you live? The city? The country?
What type of home do you live in? An apartment? A house? A cottage on a lake?
Who lives in this home with you? Do you have children? Pets?
What does your community feel like? What kind of groups are you a part of? Do you lead any of these activities?
Do you volunteer any of your time?
Do you work? If so, do you work from home? In an office? Part-time? From the beach?
Do you travel? For work, pleasure, or adventure? Where do you travel to?
What type of lifestyle do you live? Do you surf? Practice yoga? Create art? How or what do you do to take care of yourself?
How do you spend your free time?
What are you grateful for? How do you express this gratitude?
Who do you really want to be?
What do you really want to have?
And remember—if all of this goal setting feels like too much, take a step back. Give yourself permission to not do it. Be thankful for what you already have and what you’ve already accomplished, and don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself as you step into the new year.
