It’s a new year! I absolutely love this time of year; breaking out a fresh new planner and thinking about the year ahead. Rather than making resolutions one time a year, I like to find solutions (or set goals) on a regular basis. I coach nannies to look at their big goals and break them into smaller steps. So here are nine ideas, I have to help find New Year Solutions.
- Notice the things in life that bug you over and over.
If you can pinpoint something that bugs you, it will add to your motivation. You cannot always change your situation but you can change how you respond. Sit down with a piece of paper and write a short list of what bugs you. Putting it on paper makes it more real. Be aware of where you’re at or you’ll never move forward.
- Fill in the blank. I wish I had more time for: _______
Let’s add to the list from Idea 01: what are the things that you wish you had time for. The things that fill you and thrill you. What makes you lose track of time and belly laugh? Add these to the list. When life happens we tend to lose the special to care for the daily.
- Notice your successes and failures from the previous year. It’s a mark of greatness.
If you had great success or great failure last year, great! It likely was preceded with great risk. If you cannot pinpoint great extremes on one end or the other, maybe you were too cautious. Begin to think about how you can risk more this year. Even if you fail, you will have worked for and gotten closer to your goal. Be daring. Be adventurous.
- You’ll have to make space for the new.
You must carve out valuable calendar space and time for the new. That means negotiating with the old. You’ll never reach your goals if you are trying to pile new work onto an already full schedule. What will you put aside to see what you really want and need to come to fruition?
- Limit your goals to three.
Many people sit down and write a list of all the things they want to achieve, but the best in business say to choose 1-3 to focus on. Trying to spread your yourself thin to accomplish too many things just dulls your impact. Think of the few you want or need to make happen and then work on those. Accomplishing these really well and completely will motivate you for the next goals in your life.
- Get specific with your goals. Set a time frame to measure accomplishment.
Specific and measurable goals that are time bound will lead to success. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight” say something like “I want to lose 10 pounds in 3 months. I’ll work towards my goal by working out 4 times a week and eliminating soda and pasta from my diet”. Having a clear path for a short amount of time will help you have quick wins and motivate you to hit the next goal.
- Share your goals with people that will cheer you on.
Sharing your dreams and plans helps to hold you accountable. However, sharing with the wrong people can work against you. Choose positive people who “get” you; those that will encourage you through the battle. Don’t just trust anyone with your big dreams!
- Write your vision on the wall. Keep motivation in front of your face.
Don’t be afraid to write your dreams on paper, it’s makes them more real. Even better, put that vision up in front of you where you can see it, aim for it, and not forget it.
- Adjust during your journey. Give yourself grace to change.
My last bit of advice is to give yourself grace! No real journey is the straight path you might have intended. The real color and spice comes in the twists and turns, so don’t get too hard on yourself. Adjust and change. Use the opportunity to tweak and make better. It’s gonna be great: failure, perfection, and everything in between.
Greta Schraer has been in the childcare industry for over 20 years. She began working with children at age 12, after becoming a Red Cross Certified Babysitter. In 2010, Greta was the recipient of the International Nanny Association’s Nanny of the Year award. Starting as a local community for nannies in Cincinnati, Ohio, Greta founded CincyNanny in 2009. Greta has a passion to coach nannies as they navigate their career, face challenges in their job, and seek to excel in the industry. She feels privileged to guide families as they navigate their way through quality care choices for their children. Greta has written for Regarding Nannies, as well as articles for the INAVision. Greta has been a member of the INA since 2009 and joined the Board of Directors in 2015. She is currently the Chair of the Public Relations Committee.