Emotional Planning

Opportunities abound as we move closer to the new year. In the world of practical planning, let's shift our focus away from the usual linear progression of goals. On the contrary, let's delve into the feelings that will shape our future together. 

When we don't let our emotions color our goals, we turn them into meaningless aspirations. Emotions are the constants in our lives, and they are the vital strings that bind our dreams to a reality that is rich in depth and significance. 

So, what if in addition to concrete objectives and to-do lists, we allowed ourselves to feel what we wanted to achieve while we planned? Taking stock of your emotions as you think about your New Year's resolutions is a good place to start. What are you feeling — anxious, joyful, determined? Let these feelings come to the surface; they will play a significant role in your preparations. 

Next, try to write down your feelings concerning each planned goal. Whether it's the excitement of starting something new, the pride in reaching a goal, or the strength to persevere through adversity, write down these feelings. Putting your goals on paper does double duty: it strengthens your bond with them and acts as a physical reminder of the emotional terrain you want to conquer. 

But what are the advantages of writing down your goals? Simply put, it gives a tangible shape to ideas that used to be just ideas in our heads. It makes your goals more distinct by bringing them into sharp focus. Also, committing to something in writing is like making a deal with yourself. It's concrete and binding. When you fill up your emotional map for the year, you're essentially creating a record of your trip, a plan of action to help you navigate the months ahead. 

When you go back over your emotional reflections, look for recurring emotions. Do you have feelings that seem to be in perfect harmony with your desires? On the flip side, are there any feelings that seem noticeably lacking, which could indicate unexplored parts of your dreams? 

Furthermore, think about ways you can intentionally incorporate these feelings into your strategies. Look for methods to incorporate missing emotions into your plans if you find that they are holding you back. Make adjustments to your plans for the new year based on your emotional landscape.