The unrealistic pressure to perfectly launch our New Year is alive and well. Sometime between the last week of December and the first week in January, we woke up to ALL the possibilities and the clean slate of a fresh beginning. We ceremoniously drew the line in the sand of our lives and said, “This is my year! It’s going to be my best year and I will commit to overhauling every aspect of my life to make it so!” We pile on the new habits, go cold turkey on the bad ones and we get after it. So, how’s that going for you? Some of us crush it for awhile, some continue to ace it every day, but for the majority of normal humans (upwards of 90%!+) by this day in January every year, life takes over, our pace increases, the To Do list expands and we falter. We are brilliant excuse makers of why it hasn’t worked, or how it isn’t sustainable. “Let’s all be realistic so I can end my Dry January early, because what the hell was I thinking anyway??” ;) or “Maybe I’ll ditch my 1 hour a day focus on creating leads and opportunities for my business because I don’t want to bother anyone.” And we go back to our status quo and feel like we failed and gave up on our shiny New Year. Wherever you find yourself today (and if you’re still crushing it, you GO!) I want to offer a different way forward. By harnessing the power of clarity, connection, and courage each day, we can create the most meaningful 2024 for each of us.

Clarity is kind. And it has teeth. It is the foundation of all success and achievement. We need to know where we really want to go and it can’t be everywhere all at once. When we try to do that, we end up in a loop of overwhelm, unsure of our next steps, or easily swayed by external influences. When you are clear on your target, you make better choices that align with your goals, you stay focused on true priorities and say NO to distractions that can derail your progress. Clarity is epic! How do we get it?

• I’ve learned that being silent and tuning in to myself through journaling, breathing, praying, or meditating is one of the best things to get clarity, have more capacity to handle what life throws at me and it’s proven to make us healthier, too.  
• In that quiet space, ask yourself: What do I really want this year? For my health, peace and vitality? My relationships? My business and finances? What experiences do you want to have with your family and friends? How do you want to contribute or help others? Write down or reconnect to your goals and commit to what is most important now.
• Download my free guide “3 Strategies to Design your Daily Flow” that will help with clarity and priorities if you haven't already.

Connection is oxygen. If clarity is the foundation of success, connection breathes life into your plan and purpose. We begin by connecting with ourselves in the practices above so we know what is crucial for us to be fulfilled. Then, building and nurturing meaningful connections is the pulse and lifeblood of our business, the strength of our families and the fabric of our lives. We must nurture them, handle them with care, invest time and energy so that they will blossom and grow. Sometimes, when things are tough, or business is down, we tend to isolate ourselves and that is dangerous. We drift from our good habits and can get negative and discouraged. Continually cultivating relationships with family, friends, customers, partners and fellow entrepreneurs provides support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration and growth. Create connection by: 

• Planning special time each week or month with your favorite personal & business relationships. Put away the weapon of mass distraction and tune in, really be there. Listen. Ask questions. Be curious. Some of my favs are: morning coffee with my husband, enjoying our dinner and family conversation after a busy day. Checking in with my boys on how they are and what’s going on in their day. Making a call to a VIP client to see how they are and how I can help…I  create these moments and I savor them. Small chunks of high quality time is a difference maker. Don’t let your priorities become casualties.  
• Finding your people: those birds of a feather who are on a similar path of learning, growing and developing themselves. Attending networking events, joining online communities, or participating in mastermind groups will foster collaboration and support. If you’re looking for powerful connection, I invite you to join Wise Women in Business FB group here.
• Building a strong network with leaders, clients and other business owners opens doors to new customers, strategic partnerships, and cool ideas.

Courage is fuel. Courage is a choice and it is what propels us forward, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Believe in yourself and your abilities! No matter what, proceed with confidence and make bold decisions toward the life and business that you want. Giving in, playing small and settling only leads to untapped potential, missing out on opportunities and mediocrity. That is not on anyone’s New Year’s dream list. Curate courage by:

• Taking small steps forward even if the whole way isn’t clear—this process helps you earn confidence.
• Keep getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to learn, grow, acquire new skills and fine-tune your strengths.
• No matter the challenge or circumstance, don’t give up. You never know what is waiting for you around the next corner or wrinkle in your life. How close you are to that next blessing or victory. Keep going—there is always hope. You are stronger than you think you are.

Focusing on this combination of clarity, connection, and courage is my plan for 2024 as I know it creates a powerful synergy that fuels all the good things I want to experience now and the opportunities of my future. I want that for you, too! Join me in anyway that feels right. Whether you go all in and work through the practices above, or choose just one new idea to implement, it is a great next step to fueling your most epic and prosperous year ahead! 

Wishing you all the best, 

J’aime xo

©jaimenowak.com

 Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash