1. New Year's Resolution

As we close the door on 2021, (don't let it hit you on the way out), we look ahead to 2022 with a "hopeful" attitude for what is to come.

Have you made a New Year's resolution? Are you thinking of making one? In light of the uncertainty amid the Covid pandemic, it is more important than ever for us to not give up on our goals and dreams. Are you feeling stuck and out of sorts lately? You are not alone. The world has been out of sorts. Emotionally we have all been challenged during these past couple of years. It's time to take control. This is your year to do it. Whether your goal is to lose weight, quit smoking, get a new job, the following guidelines will help you nurture that little seed into the Mighty Oak that you are seeking.

M - Mindset

I - Identify your goals

G - Get specific

H - Have a vision

T - Time bound

Y - You

- PAUSE AND BREATHE

O - Own it

A - Be Accountable

K - Know when to celebrate

This week we will look at the first 2 letters of the Mighty Oak.

M - Mindset

Achieving the success you are looking for is all about adopting the right mindset. It is your thoughts that determine your decisions and actions in your everyday life. If you are willing to change, and that starts from your mindset, you can become unstoppable. So be kind to yourself. Know that your success is going to take some commitment, determination and perseverance. Know that you may fail. Instead of giving up when roadblocks are presented, rethink, reconsider and find new ways to achieve your goals. Embrace the journey, hold on tight and lets do this!

I - Identify your goals

Get out a pen and piece of paper.

1.) Let's start by making a list of what is important to you right now. Don't overthink this.

My list is as follows... My kids, my wife, mindfulness, helping others, my mom, my VW Bug, my friends, my health.

2.) Now answer the question of Why these are important to you.

My answers were, My kids - they are my everything, my family, a true reflection of myself. My wife - she is my future, my support, my heart. Mindfulness - makes me healthy in both mind and spirit. Helping others - I hate seeing others unhappy, I want to see others reach their potential. My Mom - I feel grateful that she is still here with me, she offers support and is the root of who I am, I am her mini me. My VW Bug - It's yellow and happy and makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel. My Friends - they are my tribe. The people I can turn to when I need support. They make me laugh. My Health - I want to be here for my kids, I want to be able to enjoy life to its fullest for as long as I can.

What you will find is that your true values are identified within these answers. Your values will motivate and drive you to the success of your goals. Do certain things come up more than once? Is there a common theme? My common themes are happiness, helping people and being healthy, both mind and body. These are the things that are most important to me. This is where goal setting should begin. These values are what will take us from that little Acorn to that Mighty Oak tree.

Next week we will look at Getting Specific in setting your goals and moving forward to the steps required in making them achievable.

Thank you for reading The Weekly Seed!

Laura Ballantine