For me, making lasting shifts requires balance and learning how to set goals in a way that’s practical and easy.
I’m a big fan of setting goals and reveling in the journey; of releasing all that doesn’t serve me and taking on new projects; of making space and filling my cup.
The New Year is a time I’ve chosen (along with many others) to indulge in these practices through ritual. Whether you simply write some resolutions on a scrap of paper or make grand gestures to manifest a brand new life of your dreams, it’s no matter. Any action taken toward your heart’s truest desire is a powerful and meaningful thing.
Learn my fail-proof method on how to set goals that I use every year (sometimes more than once).
I’m sharing my personal goal-setting ritual in the form of a mini-workshop, just in case you need some extra inspiration to get you started on sorting out what you want to manifest this year. This workshop is going to show you how to set goals that actually stick.
I created a companion workbook of the entire ritual that you can download for FREE just by filling out the form below.
You’ll get an 8-page interactive PDF, which means you can print it out and write in your answers like a journal to keep forever, or you can store it on your hard drive and fill in your answers digitally! The workbook also includes links to one of my favorite annual traditions—my yearly Meditation for New Beginnings videos.
Every day is a good day to dream big!
But just like I say in my annual New Year’s meditations, every day is yours to start brand new. Use my practice to start your new beginning on any day you’d like. I practice a different version of this activity on my birthday (my personal New Year’s Day).
Teach your loved ones how to set goals.
I like to practice this ritual with a group or a partner (I share my list with my husband every year, and for the past few years, he’s created his own), but feel encouraged to make this a private event if you hold your dreams closer to your heart. I’m sure you have people in your life who want to learn how to set goals for themselves, and they would love your support!
These methods are tried and true.
My ritual has been pieced together from more than a few sources, including my good friends Alexandra Jamieson and Bob Gower, who co-created the system I adapted for Part 2. Pick up their book Getting to Hell Yes on Amazon here. I love collecting new rituals, and I hope you enjoy these!
Warning: This ritual does require a little fire, so be safe!
1. Reflect on the Good: Write about the best parts of the past year.
▻ What did I do right this year?
▻ What are all the goals I accomplished?
▻ What were my most magical moments?
2. Examine & Imagine: Take your time to answer each question thoughtfully.
▻ Intentions: What do you want out of this year? (Focus on feelings and qualities rather than specific outcomes.)
▻ Concerns: What are your worries about this year? (You can include worries about yourself and others.)
▻ Boundaries: What are some things you’re sure you don’t want to do this year? (Focus on the things you actually think you might be tempted to do.)
▻ Desires: Suspending any disbelief to imagine anything is possible, what would you love to happen this year? (Keep this list aspirational and realistic rather than fantastical.)
3. Release by Fire: Create release statements for your fire ritual.
Write a list of 5 (or more) ideas, habits, or feelings you want to leave behind in the previous year. Start each statement with “I release”. Example: “I release the idea that I’m not worthy of a loving relationship.” Read each statement out loud before tossing it into a fire. I like to use my fireplace, a pot on the stove, or an outdoor firepit for this ritual.
Remember—safety first!
If you’d like to keep your list as a reminder of what you want to let go (sometimes it’s hard to just shake it off), make a copy and keep it with your other lists.
4. Manifest: Write present tense “I am” statements about your goals.
An “I am” statement is a present tense statement that puts your success in the here and now. Example: “I am a best-selling author of multiple books, talking about my work in the media and all over the world.” (I’m affirming that one like crazy.)
Make a list of 5 (or more) strong “I am” statements that feel so good that they might inspire a tiny smile when you say them out loud. (If they make you a little nervous, even better!) If you are setting both professional and personal goals, create separate lists of 5 “I am” statements for each.
These statements will serve as affirmative mantras for you to repeat again and again throughout the year as reminders of where you’re heading. The more you say them, the more focused you’ll be on your goals. And when you stay focused on your goals, your thoughts, words, and actions will lend themselves to making your goals a reality.
Bonus: When you speak your affirmative mantras out loud and in front of other people, you’ll start to attract the help you need to make your dreams come true.
5. Pick Your Word: Create a one-word manifestation tool.
Pick one word as a theme for your new year—one that expresses the spirit of all you want to manifest. Can’t think of a word? Look closely at your answers in Parts 2-4. Do you see a theme running through your answers? Is there a quality you need to possess or a habit you need to develop to manifest a few or more of your desires? There’s your word!
My word for last year was discernment. With every opportunity, I reminded myself, “If it’s not a hell yes (and not just because it’s outside of my comfort zone—that doesn’t count), then it’s a no.” I forced myself to be mindful in all my decision-making.
Pick your word, print it out or draw it really big, and put it somewhere you can see it all the time. Heck, add some glitter and frame it. Manifesting is a huge friggin’ deal!
Keep your lists together in a place where you can access them often.
I keep my New Year’s release and resolution lists in my desk organizer, so I can grab them whenever I’m feeling unfocused or stuck. They’re always right there winking at me, right below my inspiration board and tucked in front of my Buddha Doodles Gratitude Journal.
Join me in my private community.
For more talk on how to set goals and manifesting a life you desire, join me in my private Blissed In Community here. There you’ll find hundreds of loving, supportive people, all on a mission to live more mindfully. See you there!
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT GRABBING YOUR FREE WORKBOOK—CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR DOWNLOAD RIGHT AWAY!
I have more helpful gifts for you!
Now that you know all about how to set goals, let’s tackle another big issue you might be facing. If you’re looking for a new tool to manage stress and anxiety, download my totally free 4-Minute Anxiety Workshop interactive workbook. You’ll be led through a simple but profoundly effective exercise for keeping panic at bay. Try it now for free and let me know what you think!
Rebekah “Bex” Borucki, founder of BexLife.com and the Blissed In® wellness movement, is a mother-of-five, TV host, meditation guide, author, speaker, birth doula, fitness and yoga instructor, and popular social media personality. Her first book, You Have 4 Minutes to Change Your Life (Hay House 2017), is available now, wherever books are sold.
DISCLAIMER: This post/video is designed for educational and/or informational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. A consultation with your healthcare professional is the proper method to address your health concerns. You are encouraged to consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.