Your Next Chapter

It’s the first day of the new year.  This is page one of the next chapter of your life.  Think about how you want this chapter to go, what you want to do, see, feel, experience, etc.  If you could write your next chapter word for word, what would that entail?  Maybe you feel like your previous chapter isn’t quite done being written yet.  Or, perhaps you’re ready to start a fresh new page.  Either way, this is the beginning of your next chapter.

Hero

In writing stories, there is often times a hero.  You get to be the hero in your own story.  Consider how you can be brave and courageous this year.  Maybe that’s stepping outside your comfort zone more often and trying new things.  Perhaps that’s standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and saying no when you would have otherwise said yes to adding more to your already full plate.  Think about how you can take care of your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing this year.  This is the hero’s journey.  Get ready to write about how heroic you were this year.

Title

Next, you need a title for your next chapter.  Think about what you would want this year to be called.  Maybe you have chosen a word of the year that reminds you to take action towards your goals.  It could be what you want to accomplish this year, what you’re going to do, or really hone in and focus on.  It might be a feeling that you want to weave into your life throughout this year.  Perhaps that’s a persona you’re emoting to help you step into the higher version of yourself you’re working to become.  This is your chapter, think about what you would call it.

About

Then, decide what this next chapter is really about.  Perhaps it’s about learning and growing through self discovery and personal growth.  Maybe it’s a year of adventure by doing things you’ve never done before, traveling, and exploring the world.  It could be a year of big changes.  Such as, moving, changing jobs, adding to your family, or adjusting and grieving the loss of loved ones.  Maybe this is finally the year you go after your goals and dreams, put yourself out there and launch a new business, take a risk and bet on yourself.  You might also be focusing on your finances by saving money, investing, etc.  This might be the year you really commit to getting healthy by exercising and eating healthy.  Your next chapter has so much potential!  This is the year of YOU!  What do you want it hold for you?

Ending

Lastly, if you were to fast forward into the future and look back on this next chapter in your life, what would you like to see?  Think about writing the final words to this next chapter.  How does it end?  Did you achieve and do what you wanted to?  What did it take you to get there?  Was it easy or difficult?  Did you experience some challenges?  If so, how did you overcome them?  Did you have fun?  What did you enjoy most?  What lite you up and made you truly happy?  Remember, you are in charge of writing your next chapter.  Make it what you want.

This is a fun visioning exercise to help you get clear on what you want the year to look and feel like for you.  This isn’t someone else’s story.  This is your story.  Imaging writing what’s going to happen and coming in the year ahead.  Envision what you want to experience, think, believe, and feel.  These are all the things you can channel to help shorten the gap between where you are today and where you want to be at the end of this year.  The truth is, the pages of your next chapter are not yet written.  But, you hold the pen.  There are no do overs.  Get ready for a fun and wild ride this year.  I hope your next chapter is everything you’ve imagined and more!

Take Action Challenge:

Write Your Next Chapter

Step 1: Become the Hero

• How does the hero version of you show up this year?

• What brave or courageous choices do you make when things feel scary, new, or uncertain?

Step 2: Name Your Chapter

Write the title of your next chapter at the top of a page.  Let it represent how you want to feel, embody, and act as you work to achieve your goals this year.

Step 3: Define the Chapter Theme

Finish this sentence:  “This chapter is about…”

Describe what this year and season of your life is truly focused on.  Whether that's growth, healing, adventure, confidence, commitment, etc.

Step 4: Take Page One Action

Choose one small action you can take today that aligns with the future you just described.  This is how you begin writing your chapter.