Happy New Year! As we journey into 2021, I wanted to share with you a prompt that inspired me to set my intentions and direction for the new year. Yes direction, because I no longer set resolutions. My direction and intentions act as a guiding compass for my year and next steps. You can read more about this approach here.
So without further ado, here’s my borrowed directive for setting my intentions this year:
“Imagine the person you want to be. Think of what their daily life, habits, rituals and routines would be. Start building these habits and routines step by step, day by day. You don‘t become that person by magic. You build that person. Start building,” - Jamie Varon.
I love this quote because it gets me thinking about my future self and how I want to show up for her every day. I encourage you to close your eyes and envision all the details, as many as you want, then write them down.
Here are some fun questions to reflect on, while you’re at it:
How does this person carry themselves? What do they wear? How do they take care of themselves?
How does this person feel in their own body? What do they do to feel this way?
How does this person make others feel in their presence? What vibes do they give off?
What and who does this person surround themselves with?
What does this person do for fun?
How does this person make a living?
How does this person spend their days?
What do they value?
Why is this person inspiring to you?
What small steps can you take every day to become her/him?
Another way to do this practice is to create a visual mood board for your future self or to combine photos that make you go “yeaaaah”. It can be a digital one like a photo album on your phone or a Pinterest board. Or you can create a hardcopy from printed photos and magazine cutouts. You can even draw your vision of the person you want to become; a stick figure and thought bubbles would do just fine!
So how can you use this technique to guide you on a daily basis?
Let’s say the person you want to be is a great cook. In order to be that person, you need to start cooking more. Maybe you start experimenting in the kitchen, or you choose a new recipe to try every week, and maybe while you’re at it you change your mind and tweak your vision of your future self. Apply this practice to all areas of your life and let your future self guide your decisions and daily actions.
So go on, give it a go, schedule time to do this exercise between now and next Sunday before the New-Year-Better-Me vibes wear off. Or better yet, be spontaneous - do it now! 20-60 minutes should do. Go, go, go!
Here’s your prompt:
In 2021, I want to be the type of person who…..
P.s. I did this exercise with my sister a few months ago and we had a good laugh and lots of fun, so you don’t need to do it alone.