New Year...New Beginnings

My favorite thing about the New Year is that it brings hope for so many. Although we can make a change anytime we are ready and take steps to move forward, a new year signifies a fresh start for many. 

I don't know about you but during quarantine life and 2020, I had more time than ever before to reflect on what is important to me. I also learned the importance of living in the present. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that being intentional makes a huge impact in all areas of my life. I have never cherished so many moments with my family, took the time for self care, and reflected on goals and the steps I need to take to reach them. Although 2020 has such a negative connotation (because many lives have been so greatly affected), I think we all learned a lot and had the ability to slow down. 

Enough about me. Let's talk about some habits and items that I feel are MUST HAVES for Goal Getters this New Year. 

I rounded up some of my fav things that I think are such simple, new year staples to help you get in that #goalsetting mindset. 

1) Paper Mate Flair Pens-really you could use any pens you have. These are my personal favorite because I love the fun colors and they don't bleed through the pages like my beloved Sharpies. You can find THESE on Amazon. 

2) Planner-again, you can use any planner depending on preference and budget. I love the Erin Condren Life Planner. I have tried Plum Paper, Kate Spade, and great ones from Target but always go back to Erin Condren. I love that you can customize the planner based on what you need and I love adding pictures and my name. A simple planner from anywhere works. The point is to have a way to get organized that works for you. (none of these items are affiliated)

3) Journal-I just ordered a new journal. I think journaling is one of the most amazing things we can do. Whether journaling about your day, writing a quick reflection, writing bible verses or quotes that are powerful-there is something about reflecting on YOU and your feelings. I always feel empowered when I go back and read a journal page where I was having a hard time or bad day and reading ahead to see how I overcame it. This is something I always recommend for my clients to do. It truly is powerful. (I could write a whole post just on journaling).

4) Vision Board Supplies-I LOVE vision boards. It is SO cool looking back at my vision board from last year and celebrating the areas I grew in and the goals I met. It is also cool to see what things I STILL need to work on. A vision board can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be. The goal is to visualize what you want to work towards. There is such beauty in taking the time to reflect in this. The strategy is when your vision board is complete-put it somewhere you will see it frequently. I have some shelves upstairs with a lot of my counseling books and items (since I currently don't have a counseling office and do telehealth). My elliptical is facing it so I saw my vision board quite a bit. 

You can read last year's vision board post HERE.

Simple Vision Board Supplies:

computer or construction paper or poster board

write or draw on it

magazine clippings

markers, crayons, pencils

If you are wanting to make your vision board a little EXTRA, here are some supplies to use:

cork board or canvas

fabric

ribbon

scrapbook supplies (stickers, letters)

paint

pictures

Digital:

You can even create a virtual vision board in Google Slides Canva, or Powerpoint. You can save it as your desktop or save it as the wallpaper on your phone so that it is a constant visual reminder. Below is a quick example I created in Google Slides. 

Either way, any type of vision board can be a powerful tool to envision your future hopes and goals. 

I wish you all a Happy 2021. I am so thankful for this community and networking with you even more is something I look forward to this year! If you purchase any of the items above or create a vision board, please tag me...I would LOVE to see all of you #goalgetters!

You can follow me at the social media accounts below:

FB: Counseling and Confetti

FB (account with my husband): Thoughtful Thoughts

FB: Acker Counseling and Consulting

IG: @counseling_and_confetti

IG: @ackersbooks

Twitter: @melroseacker

Melanie