Resolutions in the New Year?
I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always found this to be a useful exercise. I held a belief that I’d likely just break my commitment to my goals anyway.
And I’m not the only one. If you browse internet in any form you’ve likely noticed the annual onslaught of articles on New Year’s resolutions. From covering techniques on how to set your resolutions to suggestions on how to keep them.
Growth & Change
Life has one constant factor, and that is change. I’ve been out of school for some time now, which leaves work as a main focus as it is for most people my age and above. At the same time I also believe life isn’t all about work either.
Life is about finding purpose and mastering the art of fulfillment. As Tony Robbins might point out, a sense of fulfillment comes from growth towards one’s own compelling future.
Knowing your own compelling future is easier said than done though. I have the good fortune of having a loosely bound MasterMind group to guide me in this endeavor. Much of it is comes back to a central theme and motivation in my life: contribution to the wellbeing of others.
Actualizing this has become more important. Previously I was content to think that achieving goals such as attaining my bachelor’s or master’s degree would be sufficient to propel myself forward. Now I realize it is definiteness of purpose and plan that will drive me towards my own compelling future.
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” – Bill Gates
This brings us back to intentions or goals for this new year. I love the above Bill Gates quote. Seventeen year old me would certainly be astonished with what I’ve done in the last 10 years. Thirty-seven year old me should feel the same way. For that I must plan ahead.
The Thematic Intentions for 2019
It’s a step by step process though. Which is why I want to share my main (thematic) intentions for 2019 with you. Step 1 in committing to any plan is writing it down, giving it definition and committing to action.
Love & Connection
- As I continue to settle into the Bay Area, I’m cooking up some special personal events in an effort to connect further with friends and community. This also wraps up nicely as a feat of event planning.
- Connection this year will also focus on building even better relationships with immediate family. Specifically brother and housemate Kaj, as well as youngest brother Ivar and later Mom will be in the Bay Area.
Building the Side Hustle
- This year I am laying down a framework through writing and blogging to create a personal development consulting and coaching business. I’d love your support in this by subscribing to this blog (possible below) or by following my Medium account.
Physical, Mental & Spiritual Growth
- I intended to make January an alcohol-free month. While I succeeded the first two weeks of the year, I allowed myself a few drinks these last two Fridays. The experience has been great nonetheless, and this motivates me to limit alcohol consumption to one day a week.
- Run a timed marathon! Yes and in style too. I’ve signed up to run the New York City Marathon in November this year. I have the good fortune of being able to do this with my colleagues at WUA.
- Growth of my meditation practice. In 2018 I started meditating using the 10% Happier app (link to a Medium article I wrote). Somewhere in the second quarter I plan to do deepen my practice through a meditation retreat.
Travel & Be Worldy
- This theme will continue to reoccur throughout life. That I know with certainty. I am blessed to work for a company that actively encourages and activates this. Right now I am already in the Netherlands for a month long trip that will bring me to Austria and Israel as well.
- Because I work remotely, I intend to use house-sitting services such as TrustedHouseSitters.com to further travel through the United States and abroad on a budget. (Sign up link will give you 25% of membership, and me an extra two months).
Excel in My Work
- Last but not least! This year is off to a good start to realize WUA’s potential in the United States. I’m very excited to learn more win the field of sales and marketing to fill the pipeline and close deals like a boss!
What are your intentions?
What are your intentions for this coming year? Whether you know them yet or not I’d love to discuss them with you and see how we can help one another! I look forward to hearing from you!
