That time, as in, time to set your 2020 goals, has arrived!

But first, have you taken time to reflect on 2019?

If you are like me, you are rip-roaring ready to layout all the fun goals for the coming year but let me remind you, as I’m reminding myself, there is HUGE value in taking time to reflect on goals we set in 2019.

There is a lot to learn from the progress we made and the obstacles that stopped us in our tracks.

One big ‘aha’ I’ve had this year is how much mental energy is required to stay in an optimistic, positive state of mind. I mean, geesh, people really want us to buy into their perceived struggles, their world views, their problems, don’t they?

The problem with that is twofold. First if you do buy in: When you get on their wavelength you literally lower your own vibe and the danger in that is that you expose yourself to additional low energy, toxic, progress halting thoughts.

Second, if you don’t buy in: It requires an energy expense on your part to stay above the fray — energy that could be put to better use, like on goal achievement, gratitude and random acts of kindness.

My takeaway from this is that I owe it to myself to limit exposure to people and situations that are conducive to energy drains.

Another realization I have had in reflecting on 2019 is just how powerful it is to have a routine that provides structure for setting a great foundation to each day. My morning routine is firmly set and I feel like it has helped me win each day.

It starts with prayer and gratitude. It includes reading and journaling. It includes a review of goals. And it includes exercise. And of course,coffee (don’t be judging me)!

What does your morning routine look like?

This year, I am so happy and grateful that most of my family goals have been achieved. This season of my life has caused a huge shift in the goals about which I am most passionate.

For decades, business goals lit me up and I directed most of my energy and focus toward them.

With the increasing number of littles in my life though, the pendulum has shifted and I gain the most satisfaction from accomplishing my goals for spending special time with them.

This makes my heart so happy and yet — I am open to what and where my future thinking takes me. Part of my current joy is centered on the bliss of baby hugs and the development of each grandchild into a little person with a distinct personality.

Time spent with Mimi will hold allure for a short time and so I am capitalizing on these precious moments now.

What about you? Have you seen a pendulum swing with your goals?

If so, know that it is completely normal and okay. The thing about the swing is that eventually, it swings back in the opposite direction.

One surprising area I have seen the biggest roadblocks occur this year has been in my health and fitness.

Each year I set goals intended to get me to a higher state of health and fitness than I have previously enjoyed.

Early in 2019, I experienced some sort of injury to my arm. I still can’t say for sure what it was or where it originated but it completely derailed one of my fitness goals. Bummer.

As I reflect on this challenge, I am most proud of the work I have been doing that entails exploring the power of the subconscious mind to aid in healing the body. Not there yet, but I sure am learning a lot of interesting information.

What has been your most significant obstacle this year? Has it changed you in some way? Has it made you be more resourceful?

Reflection can be one of the best gifts you give yourself as 2019 winds down.

Be sure to take as much time as you need to review each goal you set. Maybe make a list of the things that you will stop and the things you will keep or start in 2020.

Then, when you are ready and in a state of anticipation, get out your pen or pencil and get busy writing out your goals for the coming year.

If you need structure for this, download a copy of the Dump 50 worksheet, and make sure to have a look at our other free resources as well!

I wish you a very happy, blessed New Year!