A BETTER WAY TO SET GOALS FOR 2024 & BEYOND

I’ve been seeing a lot of trending topics on New Year’s resolutions lately and as someone who has never really loved the word “resolutions”, I understand why some people may have an aversion to this concept. First of all, the definition of resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something” or “the quality of being determined or resolute”. The issue I have with the word “resolution” is that, if someone thinks of their New Year’s goals as “firm” or “resolute”, and somehow falls short of their goal(s), it has a propensity to induce feelings of self-defeat or giving up. For me, this defeats the purpose of true, lasting change or manifestation since the whole point is to try to be better person in some aspect of your life - and failure, or falling short, is inevitable in most cases. A handful of you may be very lucky to be able to conquer a goal on the first try, but the rest of us are mere mortals must keep trying multiple times, until one day, getting it right. So for the majority of us, let’s throw out the word resolutions and replace our 2024 intentions with “bucket list”. It’s not only a friendlier term, but also more flexible and approachable. A bucket list is what we dream about and hope that will someday be, and everyone should have one in my opinion. It’s a form of manifesting that is fun and easy to do. So without further a do, here is the easiest way to create your bucket list for 2024, and beyond. All you need is a pencil, paper and a relaxed, open mind.

First, make sure that you are in a state of relaxation. Settle into a comfortable seat, desk, couch, bed - wherever you feel relaxed, safe, and comfy. Start by thinking about what you are grateful for a few minutes. (write these things down if you want). This is a great way to get your mind in a positive and imaginative state before you start bucket listing. Next, write down all of the things you want to see, do, achieve, feel, etc… Write with abandon. There are no rules here. Just think about what you really want (however big or small) and jot it down. Try to come up with 50 bucket list items. After you have completed your bucket list, on a separate sheet of paper write down the following timeline categories with space for 5 items underneath each timeline: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years. Go back to your bucket list of 50 items and think about when you realistically or reasonably think each one of your bucket list items could happen. Write the timeline next to each item, so for instance, if you want to lose 20 lbs and you think you can achieve this in 6 months, write “6 months” next to this item. Do this for each bucket list item using one of the seven timeline categories above. Lastly, write each bucket list item underneath the corresponding timelines and sit back and take in what you’ve just imagined for your future. The great thing about this exercise is that even if you don’t achieve a goal in the time slot you assigned it to, you can always move it forward (or backwards) into a different time slot. The whole idea around bucket listing is that you can come back to these categories on a regular basis and adjust (or add items) as needed. Life is unpredictable and therefore, this list should be too. You should never be hard on yourself for not reaching goals at your original assigned time slot and you should celebrate when you do reach them. Look at this list regularly and make adjustments as you see fit. Sometimes, you’ll fall off course and that’s okay. As long as your thinking about your list periodically and doing your best everyday to make them happen, you’re doing it correctly. Just remember, this is a manifesting tool that should always be approached as productive, but more importantly, fun. Happy Bucket-Listing and Happy New Year! I hope all of your hopes and dreams come true!