2023, Here We Come 🎉

Before We Look to Future, Let’s Look at the Past

2022 is nearly at our backs as we approach 2023. Take a second and think about everything that has happened to you in the last year- good and bad. Write down the things that stick out in your mind. I used to think that “A Year in Review” was dumb- but I have certainly warmed up to it. If you need something to refresh your memory, here is a video of the big social and political news from this year. Taking a second to reflect on how far you have come, what has changed in your life can be a great way to reflect and feel grateful, proud, or make you more determined to live differently and turn over a new leaf for 2023.

Predictions for 2023

There are all kinds of predictions out there for what 2023 is going to be like. For example- the Farmer’s Almanac is saying winter 2023 is going to be “Shake, Shiver, and Shovel”. No one will be surprised by more extreme weather in 2023. Yet, the Chinese New Year sees it all differently. 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. Which symbolizes longevity, Peace and Prosperity in the Chinese Culture. “2023 is predicted to be a year of hope”. Oh- and don’t forget about your Zodiac sign. Mine isn’t looking too promising but I always am a rebel and love to be an exception. If you are looking for something a little more scientifically based- check out this video from The Economist. If you are curious what global citizens think 2023 is going to be like check out this report by ISPOS.

A Case for Resolutions

If you have read my post My 25 Lessons over the last 25 years you will know that I think that a fresh start can be extremely useful in helping you improve and grow. But don’t take my word for it. Here is an episode from one of my favorite podcasts about it. The Fresh Start Effect makes people more effective at reaching their goals, which means that New Years might just be the Fresh Start that you have been looking for! Ultimately- to me its not about being hopeful about this year or being optimistic. To me New Years Resolutions are just giving you a second to assess your life and decide where you want to try and go.

How to Make a Resolution

There are many different ways to make New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you have a few that you didn’t accomplish last year, so you are going to keep chipping away at them. Maybe you are finally ready to go after that thing that until now has been on the back burner. New Year’s resolutions can be challenging or they can be fun. The sky is the limit in what you feel you can accomplish in the next year.

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Using a system like SMART goals can help you keep your resolutions. Processes like SMART goals help you clearly define and plan out how you will accomplish your goal. This will be extremely helpful in accomplishing your goals.

QUICK TIPS: Put your resolutions somewhere you can see them. Having fewer resolutions undoubtedly makes it easier for you to accomplish your goals. Don’t be discouraged if at first your attempts at reaching your resolution fail. Most of the time we are not successful the first time. If you are still struggling maybe this post can help you make and keep your resolutions.

My Resolutions

After all this talk about resolutions, you think I would just about have to share mine, wouldn’t I? I have every aspiration of actually accomplishing these things in 2023, and I will give it my best go!

Resolution 1. Finding my Definition of Freedom

This one really fell into my lap and I want to pursue it out of curiosity. I recently met with a friend who is perhaps as dedicated to introspective thoughts as I am. She was discussing her concept of freedom and how much that has brought her well, freedom. She acted as though she really unlocked something within herself. I had previously thought I lived freely… until she asked me what my definition of freedom was and I had nothing but probably a look of bafflement. I was enjoying this video when- boom, Italian Santa brings up freedom! This made me think, “What is going on here”. I think this will be a spiritual quest, one born out of curiosity, and maybe I’ll have found some answers by the end of the year.

Resolution 2. Learn to Surf

I think most of us have an “I wish I could do that”. For some people it’s juggling, skiing, singing, etc. the list continues forever. One of mine has always been surfing. This has been one of my New Year’s Resolutions for several years now…. and how many times have I done it? ZERO. I think 2023 is going to be my year. This is my physical goal for the year and while I would love to take a month out the year to just spend learning to surf- I’ll settle for a day or two, as a success.

Resolution 3. Get My Yoga Instructing License

I enjoy doing yoga, and of course that is a big part of it, but I found a great community of people who are interested and motivated to connect. Getting my yoga instructing license is a social goal for me. It can be hard as we get older to find wholesome connection and build a community especially in places like the US, where the emphasis is less on connection and socialization and more focused on work. I hope to do more yoga in 2023 and make more community.

Resolution 4: Find a Place to… Live?

I have been bouncing around for the last few years. While I have been meeting some incredible people and having unforgettable experiences, some areas of my life have remained a big question mark. I haven’t really prioritized maintaining a permanent home or finding a sustainable lifestyle that works for me. Hopefully by the end of 2023, I will have a few things figured out!