ALYSSA LOST IN SPACE

One year ends and another begins, with all the promise of potential that wasn’t realized in the last 365 days.

The new year divides people into two distinct categories – the people who welcome the new year,  driven by the opportunity to set new goals, and excited by all the unexplored potential. And then there are those who see it as just another day – just the calendar rolling over into the next year. Nothing special, and no reason for fanfare.

In the past, I have been divided – both excited by the potential of a new year, and admittedly confused about why people wait until January 1st to set goals they could have started months ago. And it’s unfortunate when someone gives up on those goals just because the first month didn’t go quite as planned. Goals, after all, need to be adaptable. Achieving them is a process and not a result.

I have set goals in the past and have felt that same frustration when I begin to lag behind only a few months in. As though an opportunity was wasted. Maybe I wasn’t setting the right goals or maybe I needed a better approach. It can be tricky, but if there is anything vital to the completion of your goals beyond the hard work, it’s the state of mind you bring to the task. With that in mind, I want to begin 2019 with a realistic frame of mind but ultimately an optimistic one.

I’ve seen others choose words to define their year. Something to represent that mindset they want to bring to the year, to give them focus and create a symbol of that dedication. I’d always thought of it as a silly sort of motivational tactic, But not wanting to be the type to scoff at something before trying it myself, I decided this year that I would give it a shot.

My word for 2019 is:

It’s not as gentle and optimistic as so many of the other words I’ve seen floating around. While I’ve nothing against the words that others pick, and I will admit that this one is a bit…aggressive? Intense?  That was my intention. I want to conquer my goals, conquer my fears. Conquer the things that have been holding me back and put an end to any lingering self-doubt. I chose an aggressive word because I intend to be aggressive, both in my passion, my mindset, and my work habits. I want this year to crush the years previous, personally, professionally, and creatively. This is going to be the year that I change my life, and I’m not about to do so gently or passively.

And so I encourage you to do the same. Give it a shot – really decide what you want to achieve this year and the mindset that will take you there. Don’t be afraid to be firm or aggressive. At the risk of sounding cliche, big changes don’t happen overnight. It takes repeated and dedicated work. You have to keep showing up, and bringing all that you can to the table. But it is possible. Every day. Every year. The goals that you set for yourself are possible. You just need to go for it.

Here’s to a productive year for creatives and dreamers alike!

What are your goals for the New Year? What word do you want to define your 2019?