The ball has dropped, the clock has struck twelve and we are officially into the New Year. Now what? Some may find security in clinging to well-crafted vision boards. I love this practice for visualizing what you want. Others may be cracking the seal of new journals, planners and pens ready to finally get to all the things you hadn’t done in the last year. I’m in this camp ready to check the boxes off all my heart’s desires, however, I recommend pausing to ensure whatever plan you are going after is epic.
I know you may be thinking, “Epic?! I want a great year, but I don’t know if epic is how I’d describe it.” I get it. The word alone might be a little theatrical or intimidating. Honestly, this military lifestyle with all its twists and turns can feel more like a drama or comedy as opposed to an epic quest of awesomeness. EPIC for me is an acronym (because why not another acronym) for Experiences with Purpose, Impact, and Community. It’s what I believe are the critical elements to truly level-up your year. If this take on your new year sounds like something you could get into, keep reading.
4 Must-Haves
1. Experiences
An encounter or adventure is what many of us are missing in our day to day lives. It’s the moments you will look back on and appreciate. Often we allow military life to happen to us. This year, let’s flip the script and start being intentional about creating the desired experiences we wish to have. Do PCS moves and unpredictable effects fluctuating op tempo get in the way? Absolutely. As a community we face unique challenges, not impossible ones. The key here is to control what you can control and add meaningful experiences of all sizes to your life.
Here are examples of experiences & items you could start planning:
- A trip to your favorite destination or a new one during a federal holiday
- A podcast you love to listen to and add it to your weekly routine
- Stock up on scents and products that you love like candles, shower gear, and/or perfumes
- Make time in your schedule to go on walks or take scenic drives to enjoy nature
- Spend time in locations that feel abundant, affluent or up-leveling for you like a museum, hotel lobby, or coffee shop
- Grab tickets to a few concerts, festivals or events
Everyone’s ideal experience will look different and that’s okay. There isn’t a one size fit’s all approach to this. You may need more peace in 2024. Your curation of experience should align with that. Your bestie may be looking for adventure, so her curation will look opposite of yours. Can you still enjoy each other’s preferred experiences? Absolutely. Will things come up that aren’t aligned with the 2024 experience you want? Unfortunately. Just be sure to make the time for your ideal experiences. This requires you to check in with yourself to ensure you are saying YES to more of what you desire and making room with NOs.
2. Purpose
This is a loaded word and can create anxiety for some people. It’s often used to describe your big important reason for living. That is great, and I encourage you to narrow your focus a little more for the sake of our discussion. What is one thing that you can do this year that is both personally meaningful and has outward positive benefit for others or your community?
Here are examples of what your purpose could look like this year:
- Being more studious and finishing some coursework you’ve been putting off so that you can work in your field
- Being a listening ear to spouses who are feeling alone
- Being more present with family as the glue they may need in this season
- Being an advocate for issues and others based on the problems you’re seeing
I’ve found that purpose evolves based on the season you are in. The message or actions may shift, but at the core you are just being you. Lean into being and choose to take up space this year.
3. Impact
This strong effect or betterment can be a gratifying addition to your year. Where purpose was the being side of the equation, impact is the doing or results side. Based on the previous section, what is the result you want to make happen for 2024?
Here are examples of potential impacts:
- Creating change in the lives of 5 people because of your work
- Helping 10 spouses feel seen and heard
- Cultivating an inviting and safe home for your family to thrive in
- Being an advocate for issues and others based on the problems you’re seeing
Some impacts may take longer to see, which is why it’s important to celebrate and document the wins. Document them by sharing on social media or creating digital or physical files of quotes, notes, texts or cards that highlight your impact.
4. Community
Last, but probably the most important element are the people you plan into your year. Recent studies highlight negative impacts that increased isolation has on mood and emotions. Ensuring that you literally have the right people in your corner is a crucial element to making this year the best one yet. Apply a filter of positivity, encouragement, wisdom, support, and kindness to all the relationships and voices you allow to speak into your life this year. If they don’t pass the filter, they get limited to no access. If they do pass, you increase the time spent with them.
Here are examples of where to find your community:
- Acknowledge the VIPs in your life currently and spend more time with them
- Join a club with like-minded individual on or off installation
- Attend local events and networking opportunities
- Invest in memberships or masterminds
- Put a virtual ad out for the friends you’re looking for (you might be pleasantly surprised at who responds)
An incredible year is one spent with those who love, encourage, and uplift you. You deserve meaningful relationships. Add mutually beneficial relationships into your year and watch how much joy and growth comes along with it.
With these four elements, you will truly have an epic year. Add reminders to your vision board or document how you implement this into your planner. I’m rooting for you. Cheers to your 2024 experiences with purpose, impact and community. Happy New Year.