Photo by Dmitry Schemelev on Unsplash

(Originally written Jan. 2013, updated Jan. 2020)

Happy New Year! For many of us, this is the time we reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming one. Do you already have your list of resolutions for 2020? Or maybe you have some ideas, but are not sure where to start? 

In the past, I have recommended setting intentions and creating new daily habits instead of setting goals for the year. If we want to make real changes in our lives, we have to change our habits. And that takes daily practice.

As I have experimented with intentions, goals and habits over the years, here’s what I have found works best for me: I set goals for the year ahead, but with the understanding that the most important part is not reaching the goal, but having a meaningful direction to move in for the year. (See: How To Set Goals That Make You Happy.)

Then I create a new habit that will help me make progress towards that goal. Over the years, I have implemented a variety of different habits:

• • Goal: Spend more time in nature
  • Habit: Take a walk every morning after breakfast (with our doggie Rafa).

• • Goal: Be more mindful and grounded
  • Habit: Meditate every morning after returning from my walk. (Note: This one has evolved over time. I had a hard time sitting down and meditating at first, so for a number of years, I practiced Tai Chi instead, before giving meditation another try. I use a meditation app now called: Simple Habits.)

• • Goal: Choose the positive over the negative (and love over fear)
  • Habit 1: Talk to my Inner Champion every day to remind me of all the good, positive aspects I want to choose in my life every day: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, generosity, empathy, compassion, faith, and truth (See: Listen To Your Inner Champion.)
  • Habit 2: Write out 5 gratitudes and 5 acknowledgments every evening. (Note: After years of writing them out, I now think of them automatically throughout the day.)

The same is true for business or career goals and some of those habits are not daily. When I decided to connect to people more often (authentic networking), I would go to at least one event a week and reach out to people I already knew at least once a week.

I would like to invite you to join me in setting new habits for this year that will make a positive impact on your life and career. What do you most deeply desire for 2020? What habit would best support you?

Let’s make 2020 productive and fulfilling!

Manuela loves helping heart-centered mid-level professionals create a career and life they love through career exploration and life coaching. If you'd love to follow through on your goals, you may want to check out the “Beat Procrastination and Boost Your Productivity” online training.