This week’s blog is by the Chancellor of Nikken University, Jeff Isom.

The new year is often seen as a time of renewal and a chance to start fresh. It is a time when we can reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. The new year can be a powerful and hopeful time for many reasons.

            One reason the new year can be so powerful is because it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past and learn from our experiences. By looking back on the past year, we can gain a better understanding of what has worked and what hasn’t, and use this knowledge to make positive changes in the new year. Think about your life in 2022. What was amazing? What are you most proud of? What will you choose to change in 2023? This can be a powerful and empowering experience, as it allows us to take control of our lives and create the new results we want to see.

            Another reason the new year can be a hopeful time is because it gives us a chance to set new goals and make positive changes in our lives. Whether we want to improve our health, relationships, career, or something else, the new year provides us with the perfect opportunity to take the first steps towards achieving our goals. By setting specific, achievable goals and taking action towards achieving them, we can create the changes we want to see in our lives and feel more hopeful about the future.

            The new year can also be a powerful time because it gives us a sense of fresh start and new beginnings. After the holiday season, many of us feel renewed and ready to tackle the year ahead. I always know that being around family and feeling their love and support helps me with my desire to be my best self in the new year. Even if things aren’t perfect, this sense of hope and optimism can be contagious, and can help us feel more motivated and energized as we embark on the new year.

            The new year is often a time when we can come together with friends and loved ones to celebrate and look towards the future. Whether we gather around a table for a New Year’s Eve feast, make resolutions with friends, or simply spend time with loved ones, the new year is a great time to support one another as we get ready to embark on a new journey.

            So, as the new year approaches, let’s take some time to reflect on the past and set goals for the year ahead. Let’s embrace the sense of hope and optimism that the new year brings, and make the most of the opportunities it offers.

            Two important ideas can help us to make 2023 our best year ever. Starting with the appropriate mindset and setting goals that resonate with us powerfully are two great strategies for ensuring we create the results we are looking for. Employing both of them together is a key for success. Let’s look at how each idea can be fully utilized.

            When you approach the new year with a positive attitude, you are more likely to set and achieve your goals, as well as handle challenges and setbacks in a more resilient and productive way. This is because having a positive mindset allows you to see the possibilities and opportunities in any given situation, rather than dwelling on the negative.

            Research has shown that people who approach their goals with a positive attitude are more likely to persist in the face of challenges and setbacks, and are ultimately more successful in achieving their goals. This is because a positive mindset can help you stay motivated and focused, even when things get tough.

            Another benefit of starting the new year with a positive mindset is that it can lead to better relationships with others. When you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to be open and accepting of others, which can help foster stronger, more meaningful relationships. This is especially important in the new year, when we often make resolutions to improve our relationships with others.

            Starting the new year with a positive mindset can also lead to an overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. This is because having a positive attitude allows you to focus on the good things in your life and can help you feel more content and satisfied, which can in turn contribute to your overall well-being.

            Overall, it is clear that starting the new year with a positive mindset and taking some time to reflect and make a conscious effort to cultivate a positive outlook will serve you well throughout the year. Along with your mindset, an important strategy for creating your best 2023 is to identify and plan out the goals or results you’d like to achieve.

            Setting goals for the new year is an important way to create a roadmap for your future and work towards achieving your aspirations. It can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, and can help you stay motivated and focused as you work towards your objectives. However, setting goals is only the first step – you also need to have a plan in place to make them happen. Let’s explore the importance of setting goals and outline the steps you can take to make your goals a reality.

            First, let’s look at why setting goals is so important. Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose, and help you stay focused on what you want to achieve. They give you something to work towards, and can provide a sense of accomplishment when you reach them. Additionally, research has shown that setting goals can have a positive impact on your overall well-being, as it can increase your sense of control and autonomy, boost your self-esteem, and improve your mental and physical health.

            So, how do you go about setting goals for the new year? One effective method is to use the SMART criteria, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that your goals should be specific and clearly defined, measurable so you can track your progress, attainable and realistic, relevant to your values and priorities, and have a set time frame for completion.

            Once you have identified your goals using the SMART criteria, the next step is to create a plan of action. This should include a series of smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you work towards your larger goal. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your plan of action might include tasks such as joining a gym, tracking your food intake, and scheduling regular exercise sessions. By breaking your goal down into smaller tasks, you can make progress on a daily or weekly basis, which can help you stay motivated and on track.

            Examples of SMART goals could include the following intentions to increase income or build additional muscle:

“Increase my income by $5,000 within the next six months by securing a higher paying job, negotiating a raise at my current job, or expanding my home-based business.”

            This goal is specific, as it clearly states the desired outcome (increasing income by a specific amount). It is measurable, as it includes a specific dollar amount that can be tracked over time. It is attainable, as it is realistic to expect to be able to secure a higher paying job, negotiate a raise within six months, or expand an entrepreneurial endeavor. It is relevant, as it aligns with the goal of earning more money. And it is time-bound, as it includes a specific timeframe for completion (six months).

“Increase my muscle mass by five pounds within the next three months by following a structured strength training program and eating a calorie- and protein-rich diet.”

            This goal is specific, as it clearly states the desired outcome (increasing muscle mass by a specific amount). It is measurable, as it includes a specific weight that can be tracked over time. It is attainable, as it is realistic to expect to be able to gain five pounds of muscle within three months with a structured strength training program and proper nutrition. It is relevant, as it aligns with the goal of gaining more muscle. And it is time-bound, as it includes a specific timeframe for completion (three months).

            In addition to setting specific goals and creating a plan of action, there are a few other strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. One is to enlist the support of others – whether it’s friends, family, or a professional coach or mentor – who can provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance as you work towards your goals. You can also consider setting up rewards or incentives for yourself as you make progress, which can help you stay motivated and on track.

            While setting goals and working towards them can be challenging, the effort is well worth it. Not only can achieving your goals bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it can also help you grow and develop as a person, and improve your overall well-being.

            By focusing on the things you want to achieve and the person you want to become, you can turn your dreams into a reality. So, if you want 2023 to be amazing, start by setting your sights on what you want to accomplish and believing in yourself. With a positive mindset and clear goals, the possibilities are endless.