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Writer's pictureAssistify Coaching Team
5 days ago3 min read

Starting the Year Right: How I Set Intentions and Plan for Success


The start of a new year is always filled with so much energy—a fresh chapter, a clean slate, and the perfect moment to recalibrate and set ourselves up for success. For me, the New Year isn’t just about resolutions; it’s a time to anchor my intentions, revisit my long-term vision, and map out actionable plans that align with my goals. Here’s how I usually approach it, and maybe my process will inspire you to create your own rhythm for stepping into the year with purpose.


Reviewing the Annual Plan

I always begin with the Annual Plan I prepared in December. This plan is my north star for the year—a carefully crafted outline of my big-picture goals, personal and professional priorities, and the themes I want to embody in the months ahead.

December is my favorite time to reflect deeply, so by January, my plan feels aligned and intentional. When I sit down in the first week of the year, I review it with fresh eyes and an open mind. I ask myself:

  • Are these goals still relevant?

  • Do they feel exciting and aligned with where I am right now?

  • Have any priorities shifted?

This review helps me refine my focus and ensures I’m stepping into the new year grounded and clear.



Planning the Next Quarter

Once I’m happy with my Annual Plan, I zoom in on the first quarter. Planning in smaller chunks keeps things manageable and flexible, allowing me to adapt to life’s unexpected twists. For Q1, I outline specific projects and milestones I want to hit. I break these down into monthly and weekly action steps so that my big goals become bite-sized and achievable.

This quarterly planning process also helps me prioritize my time and energy. I ask myself:

  • What tasks or projects will create the most momentum?

  • Where do I need to focus my efforts in January to feel successful by March?

For example, if a big part of my quarter involves launching a program, planning a retreat for a client, or helping a client with strategic planning, I set clear goals for each phase and assign deadlines.


Resolutions vs. Intentions

I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of traditional resolutions. They often feel rigid and sometimes unrealistic, especially when they’re created in the glow of holiday optimism. Instead, I focus on setting intentions—guiding principles or themes that influence my choices and mindset throughout the year.

This year, my intentions might look like:

  • Simplicity: Streamlining my work and systems so I can focus on what truly matters.

  • Connection: Deepening relationships, both personally and professionally.

  • Growth: Expanding my skill set and embracing new challenges.

Intentions are forgiving and flexible, and they help me make decisions that feel aligned with my values.



A New Year, A New Mindset

One of my favorite things about the New Year is the opportunity to embrace a fresh mindset. This doesn’t mean I become a completely different person overnight—it’s more about cultivating self-awareness and challenging limiting beliefs that held me back in the past.

Here’s how I work on this:

  1. Journaling: I write down what I want to leave behind in the past year and what I want to bring forward.

  2. Mindset Exercises: I reflect on questions like, “How can I approach challenges differently this year?” or “What would my most courageous self do?”

Celebrating Wins: I take time to acknowledge my achievements from the previous year. This fuels my confidence and reminds me that growth is already happening.


The Power of Community and Accountability

Starting the year with good intentions and plans is great, but I’ve learned that having the right support system makes all the difference. Whether it’s a close-knit group of friends, a coach, or a professional progress partner (like the service I offer to my clients), surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you can accelerate your progress.

For me, this includes staying connected with family, friends, and communities I’ve met through coliving and coworking experiences. These connections keep me motivated and remind me of the power of collective energy and shared goals.


Your Turn: Reflect, Plan, and Dream

As you step into the new year, I encourage you to take some time for reflection and planning. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

  • What am I most proud of from the past year?

  • What do I want to leave behind?

  • What do I want to create or experience this year?

  • How can I break my goals into actionable steps?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to start the year. What matters most is that your approach feels authentic to you and supports the life and business you’re building.

Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and meaningful progress. Happy New Year!




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