With only 40 days remaining until the new year, now it’s the perfect time to reflect on the life you always wanted. The countdown to 2024 serves as a reminder—a call to action, affirming that, within the next 40 days, the power to change your life rests firmly in your hands.
Are you prepared to step into the new year as the master of your destiny?
Join me on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we delve into the keys unlocking your unlimited potential. In this article I’ll share five principles that serve as the foundation for building the life you’ve always envisioned.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
1. Be specific about the life you want
A good life doesn't exist without examination and reflection. Crafting the life you want involves painting a detailed and specific picture of your aspirations, dreams and goals. Involves moving beyond generic statements like 'I want to be happy and have a lot of money.' Instead, be explicit about what your ideal life looks like, from the routines that bring you joy and meaning to the relationships that nurture your soul. This process is more than just setting goals; it's about creating a personalized masterpiece; your one beautiful life. This clarity becomes your compass, guiding you precisely toward a life that aligns perfectly with your dreams and values.
For instance, here's an exercise I engage in every year, both personally and with my students and clients. Now you can do it too if you're intentional about living a good life on your own terms. Remember, as you envision the best life for yourself a year from now, be specific, bold, detailed, and don't be afraid to think big.
Are you ready?
Exercise: Who Am I A Year from Now – Designing Your Future (2024)
Take a moment to envision your life a year from now. Go ahead and clear your environment of any distraction, remove your phone or switch on silent mode, have your favorite beverage, and decide that you deserve to have a great life and it begin with this reflection exercise. Consider your life holistically, from personal to professional growth, career, friends, health, hobbies, community, relationships and so on. You could use this resource and this resource to assist you with this activity.
Grab a journal and answer the following questions, feel free to add your own questions and categories and customize it to your own desire:
Personal Achievements:
What personal milestones/goals have you achieved a year from now?
How have your relationships evolved, and what new connections have you formed?
Describe a day in your personal life that reflects your ideal future (a year from now)
Professional Success:
What accomplishments mark your professional journey in a year?
Picture a day at work that represents your desired success.
How have your skills and expertise evolved?
Personal /Professional Growth:
In what ways have you grown/evolve over the past year?
Reflect on the habits, perspectives, mindsets, and practices you've developed to support your growth.
What insights have you gained about yourself?
Recognition and Legacy:
How are you recognized or known for in your community or industry?
What legacy or impact have you created that others acknowledge?
Envision a moment where your achievements are celebrated. (No achievement is too small)
Again, allow your answers to guide your aspirations and help you design a roadmap towards the life you truly desire. Remember, this is your canvas – paint it with the vibrant hues of your dreams and no, it doesn't have to be perfect. Bold colors, bold thinking, bold actions. (One of my bold colors is energetic coral- for instance right now my nail polish is coral, so I walk around full of energy.)
Now that you've painted a vivid picture of your future, don't keep it to yourself. Share your bold vision and goals with those who can support you. Whether it's a trusted friend, mentor, coach, family, or a supportive community, sharing your aspirations not only solidifies your commitment but invites encouragement and collaboration. You could also tag me so I can support you @drvalmargarit. Remember, the journey to your ideal life becomes even more rewarding when shared. Embrace the power of community and let your dreams resonate with those who believe in you and champion your success.
2. Rewrite and own our new story
"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.” – Seneca
Empower yourself by taking control of your inner narrative. You know that voice in our head telling us all kind of stories that limit our potential. The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and it's time to wield that power intentionally. Challenge the narratives that limit your potential and rewrite them with strength and resilience. I can’t become I can. I don’t know it becomes I don’t know it yet. Acknowledge the moments of success, no matter how small, and let them become your foundation of empowerment. By taking control of the stories, you tell yourself, you become the author of your journey, write a narrative that propels you toward growth, purpose, and unlimited possibilities. It's not just a mindset shift; it's a declaration of self-authorship, and self-empowerment.
Let me introduce you to Sarah, a client on a quest for transformation. Struggling with self-doubt, and a story that held her back for 42 years she sought coaching to rewrite her story and transform her life. Through our sessions, we uncovered the threads of limiting beliefs, replacing them with empowering affirmations. With each session Sarah's mindset shifted. No longer confined by past limiting stories, she embraced challenges as stepping stones to success. Now she’s on her way to building a life she deserves to have.
3. Action brings results now
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” – Socrates
In the middle of our busy lives, having a clear mission keeps us focused. Words mean little without actions to back them up. The transformative power lies in acting as each step forward takes you closer to your goals. If you feel overwhelmed, I recommend beginning small and give yourself a gift—a tailored 90-day action plan. For instance, within this focused framework, identify two or three key outcomes or goals ensuring clarity and control. Additionally, if you need support, I invite you to explore my 'Upgrade Your Life' Coaching Program at the SelfMastery Academy, a comprehensive 90-day journey designed to guide you through transformative sessions as we work together.
4. Communicate with intention for action and results
"To live a good life: We have the potential for it. If we can learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference.” – Marcus Aurelius
To master the art of intentional communication, where every word is catalyst for action and tangible results, it takes time, effort, practice, and hard work. It’s a worthy lifelong journey. It's about ensuring that each communication serves a purpose, driving the conversation forward and achieving the intended outcomes. Whether in professional or personal interactions, intentional communication becomes the driving force that propels you toward success, enjoyment, and meaning. Everything else does not matter when we're focused and intentional. In my coaching practice I work to hone this skill, transforming the ability to express ideas into a powerful tool for generating action and achieving results.
Think about it, effective communication is like a dance that requires flexibility, adaptation, preparation, and awareness. You take two steps forward, four steps backwards, two to the left and repeat. The same apply to mastering communication. Before entering any conversation, consider the desired outcome. What do you want to achieve? What do you what them to believe, feel, and ultimately do at the end of the conversation? This clarity acts as your North Star, guiding how you create your message as the conversation unfolds. And yes, it requires intentional listening and patience.
5. Stop talking and start listening with intention and curiosity
“Life is good when we think it’s good. Life is bad when we don’t think.” – Douglas Horton
This one is hard but with awareness and practice anything is possible. It is challenging because we must replace the default mode of listening without truly hearing with the art of curiosity. By silencing your own voice, asking questions with genuine curiosity, and creating space for understanding, you'll open doors to deeper connections and valuable insights. It's an invitation to embrace a culture of genuine curiosity that enriches every conversation. Recognize that in our default mode, we miss out on opportunities to build connections, to learn, and to extend a helping hand to others. Moreover, perception is reality, and every person has one. Your goal is to understand different perspectives and use intentional communication to manage outcomes.
A good life is a journey to enjoy and explore. By visualizing your desired future, and taking control of your stories and actions, you’ll unlock unlimited potential. Remember, the power for change is within you. As we learn and implement these principles, we not only alter our perspectives but also redefine what's achievable and rewrite our story.
Ready to welcome a new year with a new blueprint for your new life?
I invite you to explore the courses and programs at academy.valmargarit.com. Sign up for the Master Your Goals, Own Your Life course or the Upgrade Your Life Coaching Program. Access the links to learn more.
About Dr. Val Margarit
Val Margarit, the visionary behind the SelfMastery Academy and valmargarit.com, is a dedicated coach and educator on a mission to empower individuals to master their lives, achieve their goals, and embrace lasting happiness. With a doctorate in education leadership and certifications in mindset coaching, yoga, and mindfulness, Val brings a unique blend of expertise to the realm of personal development and professional success.
Val firmly believes that personal and professional success are intricately interdependent. In her courses and coaching programs, she leverages her diverse skill set to explore the profound connection between mindset, well-being, and achievement. Her passion lies in helping people break free from the ordinary, guiding them towards a life of purpose, success, and profound fulfillment. Explore the transformative journey with Val at valmargarit.com and academy.valmargarit.com, where SelfMastery becomes the key to unlocking your true potential.