Do You Have a Yearly Wellness Strategy? Craft One for Yourself

At the beginning of every year, I do this little tradition that resets me. This is a kind of ritual that is all about hitting the pause button and giving myself some quality time. I call it my "yearly wellness strategy," and it has been my go-to for keeping things on track. 

Why do I do it? Well, in all the hustle and bustle, it is my way of hitting pause and giving myself the attention, I deserve. While the world around us is moving forward all too fast, I hit the brakes and take a moment to catch my breath. It is my way of saying, "Hey, life, let's have a little chat.” 

It is not just scribbling down a checklist of vague goals or resolutions. I describe it as a heart-to-heart with myself, reflecting on what wellness means to me. It is a mix of reflection and goal-setting. I take a moment to look back at the year that's passed – the wins, the challenges, the lessons learned. Then, I turn my attention forward and ask myself some questions: 

What do I want to improve? 

Where do I want to grow?  

What habits do I want to nurture? 

What do I want to let go of? 

What do I want to STOP doing, say NO to? 

What do I want to START doing? 

I know, most of us are used to having resolutions that are impossible to keep, and I am guilty of doing that too. But ever since I created a yearly wellness strategy, it became a personalized roadmap for myself. It is my notion that within this bustling storm of life, I have the power to carve out a space that is dedicated solely to my well-being. It is the understanding that investing time and effort into creating a strategy for my wellness is a necessity I need to give myself. By devising a strategy that aligns with my values, aspirations, and genuine needs, I am essentially taking control and leading my life with purpose. 

So, when January arrives, you'll know where to find me – crafting my wellness strategy, one cozy corner at a time. It is a little gift I give myself – the gift of focus, self-care, and a whole lot of good vibes for the year ahead. And honestly, it has become one of my favorite traditions.  

Defining Your Yearly Wellness Strategy 

A yearly wellness strategy isn't merely a fancy term; it's a deliberate plan prioritizing well-being throughout the year. It is beyond having those short-term goals and more on adopting a holistic approach that encompasses various dimensions of your life – physical, emotional, mental, social, and even spiritual. By developing a yearly wellness strategy, we make sure that we are consistently making choices that contribute to our overall health and happiness. This involves setting realistic and achievable goals for each dimension of our well-being. 

Think of it as a road map, guiding you through the twists and turns of the upcoming year. You are not just surviving day to day; you are facing the whole year with a mindset that is all about what truly matters to you. I also like to do it by not being bound by rigid rules or unattainable expectations. You can simply have one that is more on setting intentions and making conscious choices that align with your values and aspirations. By setting goals for each dimension of our well-being, we are not only ensuring a well-rounded approach to self-care but also allowing ourselves the freedom to adapt and evolve as the year progresses. These goals should be realistic and attainable, while also challenging us to grow and push our boundaries.  

Before crafting your yearly wellness strategy, it is important to check yourself. For me, I find it most effective when I am in my state of calm. If you need a quick guide to destress once and for all before diving in with your wellness strategy, my FREE destress toolkit can help. By using this toolkit, you can achieve a state of calm and clarity, allowing you to approach your wellness strategy with a focused and balanced mindset.  

The Importance of Taking Charge 

Life often happens to us when we are not paying attention. A yearly wellness strategy is our way of taking the reins and steering our lives in a direction that resonates with our true selves. It's us taking control of the steering wheel and deciding where we want to go instead of just letting life drag us along for the ride. 

Having this strategy is like having a game plan. Instead of just going with the flow, we are making conscious decisions about where we want to go. It is switching from autopilot to manual mode. This proactive approach makes us more aware of ourselves and the world around us. We start paying attention to how we feel, what we want, and how to steer our life in a direction that feels right. 

Think of it like a journey. You wouldn't board a plane without knowing its destination, right? The same goes for your wellness journey. You have to pick a destination, what you want to achieve, and how you want to feel, and then map out the route to get there.  

Do you know how I get here? I started my wellness strategy by knowing my boundaries. Establishing clear boundaries is a fundamental aspect of any effective wellness strategy. Just like setting destination points on a map for a journey, defining your personal boundaries helps you determine the limits and guidelines that will shape your path. If you need guidance drawing the line between work and life boundaries, check out my book, Brave Boundaries. This book has all the insights that you need to steer your life with purpose and confidence through recognizing your boundaries.  

Crafting Your Yearly Wellness Strategy 

Creating a yearly wellness strategy requires a mix of introspection, planning, and commitment. Here's how you can get started:  

1. Reflect on the Past Year 

Before diving deep into future planning, pause and reflect on the previous year. Consider what went well and what areas of your life might have been overlooked or not given enough attention. By reflecting on both your achievements and challenges, you can gain valuable insights that will inform your strategy moving forward. This self-reflection helps you understand what strategies were effective and what adjustments might be necessary for future success. 

 2. Set Clear Intentions 

Establishing clear intentions means defining what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. These intentions encompass various aspects of your life, such as physical health, mental well-being, career goals, personal growth, and relationships. Having specific intentions gives you a sense of purpose and direction, helping you prioritize your efforts and make decisions that align with your desired outcomes. 

 3. Identify Areas of Focus 

Now that you've got your intentions, break them down into bite-sized pieces or manageable segments. These are the areas of your life that you are going to zoom in on. Break down your intentions into specific areas of focus. This could include exercise, nutrition, stress management, personal development, relationships, and more. Having specific areas helps you channel your efforts effectively. These areas serve as your road signs, pointing you in the direction you want to go. 

 4. Set Realistic Goals 

Within each area of focus, it is essential to set goals that are realistic and achievable. These goals should follow the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, if your focus is on physical health, a SMART goal could be to exercise three times a week. Setting these specific goals provides you with clear targets to work towards, increasing your motivation and accountability. 

Do you know how I check if my goals are SMART enough? I lean on others for solicited advice. Sometimes, all we need is another's perspective. If you need a community that is here to listen and go straight with you on whatever matter, join me at The Table. In this community, you'll find a network of individuals who are genuinely interested in your well-being and progress. By coming together, we create a space where honest discussions flourish, all without judgment. 

5. Plan Your Actions 

With your goals in place, it is time to plan the specific actions you need to take to reach them. This might involve creating a structured workout routine, planning balanced meals, scheduling activities that contribute to your self-care, or enrolling in courses that align with your personal development objectives. Planning these actions helps you break down your larger goals into actionable steps. 

Are you curious how others take matters into their own hands? Join me at the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2023 where empowering speakers share their own powerful, distinct, and compelling viewpoints. At this conference, you will have the opportunity to learn from successful women who have taken charge of their lives and made a difference in their communities. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights that will help you in your journey of empowerment. 

6. Create a Schedule 

To integrate your wellness activities into your daily life, establish a schedule that allocates time for each of your identified actions. Treating these commitments with the same level of importance as work or social engagements ensures that you prioritize your well-being. By incorporating these activities into your routine, you are more likely to stay consistent and make progress toward your goals. 

With all the things we have on our plate, I know squeezing some time for our wellness can be a tough one. If you feel like you are running out of time or do not have one, my Time Management course can help you with that. It offers practical tips and strategies to help you prioritize your tasks and make the most out of your limited time. By learning effective time management techniques, you can create a schedule that allows for self-care and ensures your wellness is not neglected. So, don't let a busy schedule stop you from taking care of yourself – invest in this course and make time for your well-being. 

7. Stay Flexible 

Recognize that life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change. It is crucial to remain adaptable and open to adjusting your strategy as needed. While you remain committed to your overall well-being, be willing to modify your plans if circumstances warrant it. This flexibility prevents frustration and allows you to navigate challenges while staying focused on your long-term objectives.  

Create Your Wellness Strategy with Transformative Experiences 

One of the most impactful ways to enrich your yearly wellness strategy is by participating in unique experiences that align with your goals. These experiences should offer a dedicated space and time for self-discovery, growth, and rejuvenation. They should also provide an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and fully immerse yourself in activities that nurture your well-being. 

Two remarkable opportunities await you on your wellness journey – the Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat and my newest course RISE: Mastermind. These experiences aren't just getaways; they are catalysts for change, transformation, and growth. 

Imagine spending a few days immersed in the tranquil embrace of nature, where every moment is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner self and foster a deep sense of well-being. This is the essence of the Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat – a transformative experience designed to facilitate profound self-reflection, empowerment, and the redefinition of your connection with both yourself and the world around you. In this unique retreat, you will be offered the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.   

In this way, the retreat not only offers a temporary escape from the demands of life but also equips you with the tools and inspiration to embark on a lifelong journey of self-care and personal growth. With the newfound understanding of yourself, you are empowered to shape a wellness strategy that resonates deeply with your individuality, fostering a harmonious and thriving life that is uniquely yours. 

Mark your calendars, and join the retreat from November 16 to 19th in the beautiful setting of Hilton, Head SC.  

If you are committed to broadening your horizons and seeking transformative strategies, the RISE: Mastermind is designed for you. This is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it to create profound personal growth and establish sustainable and permanent work-life boundaries. It is an opportunity to connect with a community of individuals who share your commitment to growth and self-improvement. 

This class will be fairly intimate and it will fill up quickly. However, it will be a wonderfully deep and enriching experience that will last a fantastic 8 months. If you want to participate, don't wait any longer - sign up now. We will start the journey on October 2. 

So, sister, it is time to flip the script. Today is the day to rewrite the narrative for yourself. Get ready to take charge and craft a yearly wellness strategy that is uniquely yours.  

It is a journey of empowerment, and you've got this!