The challenge with most resolutions is that there is little forethought why you want to change, and a large focus on avoiding or quickly shifting the negative. There is often a desire to take a magic pill and like the wand-waving, we get disappointed when our expectations for instant fixes aren’t realised. Failure of resolutions occurs because there is a lack of consideration in the following areas:

• no acknowledgement of your present MINDSET or your current status (that you’re wanting to change)
• there is often very little or no reflection on present life why you’ve ended up in this position in the first place, and now wish for a new life!
• there is little to no planning for success on achieving new goals – for example, what you want to be feeling once you’ve reached the goal
• no gratitude for where you are presently at on your journey path – if you can’t be thankful for who you are already, how can you manifest and create change?

What about if you set your intention to choose to change in the New Year so that you allow yourself the entire year to evolve?

An interesting concept isn’t it – permission! Allowing yourself permission to refine yourself buys you time to:

• set realistic and achievable goals
• identify strengths and weaknesses
• allow small implementable actions to be introduced slowly, allowing for positive habits to be created 

• reflect on the success of implementation and progressive change, which builds upon motivation and confidence!

Have you had the experience of creating an NYE resolution, only to fail within the first month, or worst the first couple of days? Is it time to change your approach?

What if I were to tell you that completing simple rituals and taking the time to become observant during the twelve days after Christmas could provide you with a wealth of information to succeed in the year to come.

Here are my tips for forecasting your new year and creating the best resolutions ever!

I find it extremely useful in the twelve days which follow Christmas to have rituals so that the habit of tuning into self doesn’t have to be hard-won. I enjoy it when it flows naturally and easily.

Get grounded – connection to the earth allows you to discharge any build-up of positive ions in the body. Grounding energy allows you to better access your intuition.

Set your intention – I have been using the intention of ‘surrendering to ordinary thinking’ which instantly allows me to think creatively outside the box. It allows me to slow down and hear the whispers from spirit as to where to guide my attention and observe something.

Journal – during yuletide I pay attention to my energy, creativity and motivation levels. I purposefully pay attention to my mood and anyone who triggers me. I dig deep about patterns which cause me to experience negativity and make notes for future exploration. I write about it all.

Reflections of these notes during the future month they relate to, come in very handy and have previously been of significant benefit when planning large scale or important events. It’s like creating your own hitchhikers guide to your own galaxy.

There is an abundance of information everywhere throughout your day which can infuse you with joy or push all your buttons. Pay attention!

For those of you living in the southern hemisphere, here are some specific monthly based journal prompts which you can document now, which may benefit you later as a guide to how that month will pan out.

Day One (December 20th) – January

This is my birthday month and our summer school holidays. This month is all about having fun in the sun.

In hour journal, ask yourself this “how do I allow myself to shine my light?”

Be sure to capture the answer in the context of “How do I utilise this month to create abundance which flows through the entire year?”

Day Two (21st December) – February

This is generally a very hot weather month with unpredictable rains. It’s a return to the school year and this month is generally where we settle into our normal routines. Pay attention to this day as to where or what can cause your energy and attention to peak / flow / dwindle.

In your journal ask yourself “where do I support myself to achieve my goals?”

Understanding how you use your energy in a single day can provide fabulous context to enable you to create strategies which last the year ahead.

Day Three (December 22nd) – March

This month marks the halfway point between the solstices, and it’s called the equinox. It’s the day of equal light and darkness. Look for signs of duality and balance on this day. Additionally, the equinox marks the changing of the season. Pay attention during this day to where your balance may be disturbed.

In your journal give yourself permission to dig deep and ask yourself “what pattern you may be running that you need to let go of in order to evolve?” Just like a tree sheds it’s leaves, we go through a cycle of change as well.

Autumn is a large energetic change month demonstrated by the evolution of leaves changing colours.

Day Four (December 23rd) – April

This month the energies are generally high as Christians around the globe mourn the death of Christ and celebrate his resurrection. Regardless of your cultural upbringing, rebirthing energy is huge and triggers everyone.

In your journal ask yourself “what aspect of me is no longer serving my higher purpose? What do I need to release with ease and grace (or allow to die) in order to move forward?”

Day Five (December 24th) – May

The days begin to darken, the temperate has changed and the cold winds have often arrived. The barrenness of winter is approaching and the trees are shedding their leaves, becoming naked.

We often take on the energy of feeling vulnerable and exposed in this month. So jump into your journal and ask yourself “what am I afraid of? What could I do to boost my courage to face my fears?”

Day Six (December 25th) – June

June can be a very liberating month with the right mindset and preparation. It’s the making of the beginning of winter and there’s a solstice (the shortest day light of the year). There are many shadows and the energy of light and dark can easily cause you to fall apart.

I often find myself reminding my clients that this is a fabulous month to reconnect to your soul star, your seed if you will. This is the time to go within and find your hidden treasure amongst the shadows.

In your journal ask yourself “If I was a caterpillar, what would I like to transform this winter whilst in my cocoon?”

Day Seven (December 26th) – July

Often the blustering wet wind prevails during this month and we don’t venture outside often. This is a day to explore things to do around the home. This is also a fabulous month to revisit goals established at the beginning of the year and assess whether you’re on target.

Be gentle with yourself if you’ve strayed off the desired course and start mapping out small achievable actions in the calendar to get yourself back on track.

In your journal ask yourself “is my home a comfortable castle or prison? What do I need to do inside to shift this feeling?”

Day Eight (December 27th) – August

It takes a lot of energy for a seedling to emerge from the ground in the cold spring soil. We are no different. We need to be able to rely on ourselves to continue along our journey path even when things get uncomfortable.

In your journal ask yourself “what self reliance traits do I have?” and also “What have I learnt about myself to grow even stronger?”

Day Nine (December 28th) – September

It’s the month of the second equinox (this one’s called the vernal equinox) and marks the change of the season. It’s another day of balance between light and dark.

In my personal experience, I find spring energy much more powerful than the gentle autumn. There’s a lot of power required to generate new green flowery growth in everything around us.

In your journal ask yourself “what do I need to do to sustain my abundance and growth?”

Day Ten (December 29th) – October

This is often an odd month. If your start to spring was shaky or involved a lot of change, things can still be stabilising. I find this can be a very high octane month of getting stuff done and so I plan well in advance to prepare and ensure my energy levels can be consistent.

In your journal, if you are full steam ahead, ask yourself “what do I need to do to remain consistent?”

If you are the legs are shaky ask yourself “how do I maintain my connection to my goals and build upon my perseverance to succeed what I set out to achieve?”

Day Eleven (December 30th) – November

This is a month whereby we’re on the home stretch for the year. It’s the last full month of work before another round of festive season begins. This is a month to remain disciplined and stick to your plan.

In your journal ask yourself “how committed am I to myself and my goals?”

Day Twelve (December 31st) – December

It’s a high vibe energy month due to the summer solstice, the longest day of sunlight in the year. It’s the peak of abundance energy and everything you’ve been working towards for the entire year. It’s a time of celebrating life, your connections, friends, family and love.

In your journal ask yourself “what can I be grateful for?”

Final Words

Hope you’ve enjoyed a new way of looking and responding the Yuletide and can easily incorporate some of the above rituals and journal tips to shape the forecast of your year ahead.