As you may know, I’m not big into New Year’s ‘resolutions’, but rather intentions. If it’s something you really want to accomplish, you don’t resolve to do it, you intend to get it done!

Last year I had some big intentions – I hit some, but not all of them. But life goes on and rather than being downcast about the misses, for all of us, 2022 is a fresh opportunity to jump back on the horse and get after those things we really want to achieve.

Here are five practical tips to give you the best chance of achieving your intentions this year:

1. Be prepared
Career and life changes always seem to come as a surprise, so the better prepared you are to be flexible and ‘roll with the punches’, the better your ability to thrive in a changing world.

No matter how stable your job may be, the last two years have shown that you should have a solid strategy for re-employment, in case you lose your job, and an even stronger one if you’re looking for promotion/growing a business.

You can be prepared by having a solid CV at the ready at all times as well as looking at ways to continually up-skill or update your knowledge and expertise.

2. Reconnect with your purpose
Self-actualisation is a journey of continuous development and requires a real commitment to physical, emotional and spiritual self-improvement. Knowing your purpose and getting after it will help make you stronger, more positive and resilient.

3. Check your vices
Given the current pandemic concerns, socio-economic pressures and high-stress work environments we endure, the line between decompressing and destructive habits is very thin. Addictions can take the form of overeating to substance abuse, and anything in between.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – take a hard look at your habits and get the help needed to make positive changes and get back on track to becoming your best self this new year.

4. Get your admin in order
The beginning of a new year is a good time to get your affairs in order. With your demanding schedule, it’s critical to ensure you make the effort to do your admin regularly. Some examples of this include financial budgeting, tax returns, pension, investments, vehicle tax and MOT, household management.

5. Make sure you’re fit for life
The start of a new year is a good time to review your fitness and wellness needs and current status. Taking time to give yourself a thorough ‘MOT’ is a great way to start the year.

Start with the question, “Am I where I want to be in terms of my fitness, health and wellness?” Part of your review may identify a range of options to support your development, such as coaching, personal training, medical/alternative complementary medicine, and age appropriate medical check-ups (prostate or cervical screening, etc.)

There is no time like the present to get your mind and body in line with your intentions.