Here we are: New Year, new luck!

While the world is still figuring out how to contain this Pandemic, you, dear reader, have hopefully found some time over the holidays to recharge your batteries and to applaud yourself for making it through that crazy year of 2020!

We were, and mostly are still challenged by the current circumstances, restrictions, rules and regulations and limitations to our lives. While we did not ask for these challenges in 2020, we were forced to adapt.

2020 was a demonstration of resilience, of adapting, of perseverance for each of us. 

Take control of 2021!

So for 2021 why not take these learnings and put yourself in the driver seat again?! If you can make changes for a virus, you can certainly make changes for YOURSELF!

Research on motivation shows us, that intrinsic motivation is the biggest driving force within us. You can actively utilise that power within you to build a more self-determined 2021.

What do you want out of this year?

What are your personal and professional goals for 2021? 

What do you want to achieve?

What activities came a bit short last year, that you want to make room for again?

To help you answer these questions, I invite you to try my all-time favourite Positive Psychology intervention:

Your Best Possible Self

For the next 3 to 4 days, put aside 15 to 30 minutes of quiet time, take a pen and paper (yes, a real pen and real paper!) and imagine yourself at the end of 2021, looking back at the most successful, fulfilling and happy year of your life. Imagine in detail what you will have achieved, how you will feel, what this means to you and how you will celebrate. Write about this in detail over 3 to 4 consecutive days. 

On day 5, review your writing and reflect on what goals you have identified for this year. Write them down on a separate piece of paper and put them up on a wall. Pick one of your goals and make a realistic plan of steps you can take to start working towards this goal.

The Best Possible Self activity is a Positive Psychology Intervention developed by Laura King (2001). Studies have repeatedly confirmed its positive impact on improving mood, boosting optimism and overall wellbeing. Completing this activity in the beginning of the year will help you with a fresh, positive and optimistic start!

Feel free to share your experience in the comments below!

I wish you all the best for this year! 

Claudia
Positive Psychology Coach

References

King, L. (2001). The Health Benefits of Writing about Life Goals. Personality And Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(7), 798-807. doi: 10.1177/0146167201277003