New Year’s and New Visions

Entering the New Year is often an exciting time. It can signify a new chapter in your life full of new, unknown, and exciting experiences. I remember that at this time last year, I was full of anxious feelings for 2024. My future was uncertain, but at the same time, I felt excited for the start of a new chapter in my life. Looking back, I realize there was nothing to be scared of, and each challenge I faced this past year has only molded me into the person I am today. Additionally, I have witnessed my own immense growth within myself over this past year, proving that my work has paid off. I’ve become more productive, finishing 75 hard, deepening my relationship with God, excelling in my academics, and strengthening my relationships with my inner circle - even adding new people to this circle. While this all may seem standard, I was able to keep this all up while living a balanced life.

All of this is to say that my self improvement in the past year has not been solely from an immediate switch I took on the first of January. I’m personally a “non-believer” in “New Years Resolutions”. I don’t necessarily believe that no good changes can come from New Years Resolutions, but I do feel  they lead to a higher risk of pressure on individuals, and create unrealistic standards to live up to. This type of pressure might cause an “all or nothing” mindset, and without the proper foundational safeguards in place surrounding one’s habits, it is easy to fall back into old habits the moment things may go wrong.

What I can say is that I feel I placed myself in the perfect position to improve myself as much as I have. One of the skills most vital to my inner-work was the art of preparation. Preparing for everything. On December 31st, 2023, I prepared for my 2024 with a vision board full of ideas and concepts I once felt were too far out of reach for me to achieve. However, 364 days later, I look back at my board of goals, wishes, and aspirations, and see how I successfully carried them out. I truly am living my answered prayers.

To prepare for this year, I once again created a vision board, this time in a group setting. I came into this end of year with a much more positive mindset, and I have a clear goal about my plans and goals for 2025. I think the act of physically cutting out and pasting images, phrases, words, etc. onto a board is one of the best ways to live your life as if it was already achieved. In doing so, you already accept the self belief that you have accomplished your goals, all that is left is to act on them. This is one of best positions you can place yourself in - mindset wise - and can be a great refresher for your outlook going into the new year.

If you’re new to vision boards or preparing for the new year, here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Reflect on the Past Year – Take time to think about what worked well for you, what didn’t, and what lessons you’ve learned. You can use this reflection as a foundation for setting your intentions.

2. Gather Materials – Find magazines, print photos, or collect items that inspire you. My personal favorite resource to use is Pinterest. You’ll also need a board or canvas, scissors, glue, and markers to personalize your vision board.

3. Set Intentions and Goals – Write down your aspirations for different areas of life (Do this physically! Write these down physically!): wellness, relationships, career, personal growth, and hobbies. Be specific and realistic.

4. Visualize Your Goals – Choose images and words that represent your goals and aspirations. Arrange them on your board in a way that feels inspiring and motivating to you.

5. Display Your Vision Board – Place it somewhere you’ll see it daily to keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.

Overall, I’m wishing you all a wonderful New Year! I hope this will be a time of reflection, growth, and intentional action as you work towards your goals and aspirations. Remember, true change doesn’t happen overnight - it’s the small, consistent steps and a positive mindset that lead to lasting transformation. Here’s to living well, embracing the journey, and making 2025 your best year yet!