This Year, Create New Rhythms– Not Just Resolutions
Written by Nicole Smithee
I am admittedly a big fan of goal setting. Since I was a little girl, I have always been driven to achieve. I love dreaming big and the challenge that comes with accomplishing things dear to my heart.
Each Monday morning, I begin my work week by establishing a set of goals for the week and then mapping out what to focus on each day so that – come Friday – I have made headway on projects and met necessary deadlines. It feels exhilarating when I get to 5pm on Friday and look back on all that was achieved that week. Frankly, it takes restraint on my part to not approach my days off the same way such as creating goals for my leisure and relaxation. What can I say – goal setting is my love language, and sometimes I need a little help reeling it in.
Over the years, though, I have learned that setting long-term goals takes a bit more finesse than the weekly ones. These goals are innately larger and, in many ways, carry greater emotional weight. If we have to put off creating new content for work by a few days due to unexpected meetings, it doesn’t feel like a huge loss. But if we began the year with a deep desire to finally start that business and get to December with little more than a business plan outlined, the lack of progress feels like a failure and tends to weaken our confidence to deliver in the future.
Long-term resolutions require something our short-term goals never demand: long-term strategic planning. If you have a goal that realistically will take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to achieve, then a well-thought-out plan of attack becomes non-negotiable.
No one wishes themselves into better health or visualizes themselves into being fit. Believe me, I’ve tried. No, we all have to pick up those dumbbells, hop on that treadmill, eat cleaner, sleep better and take those vitamins. And not just once, or sporadically, but consistently.
And there lies the rub. It’s not just our planning that leads to great progress. It all comes down to execution and how consistently we are willing to execute in order to achieve, which is why I wholeheartedly believe that the success of your 2022 year will ultimately come down to the rhythms you create and keep.
I’ll get a bit vulnerable and share a few of my 2022 goals with you. I want to write another book, launch a coaching cohort for female business and ministry leaders and maintain my health throughout my pregnancy and prioritize my health after our baby girl arrives.
Writing another book seems daunting until I remember the book will be written one sentence at a time, which means I need to cultivate a consistent rhythm of writing in my daily routine. I don’t need to devote 6 hours a day to writing, nor is that reasonable considering my other responsibilities. But I can devote 1 hour a day, 4 times a week. If I commit myself to this rhythm, even on the days when I don’t feel the creative juices flowing or the days when other items on my to-do list seem urgent, I’ll dedicate 16 full hours a month to writing my book. This rhythm puts me on track for a completed first draft before my baby girl is born! It all comes down to a consistent rhythm of writing – one that is not overwhelming but strengthens and stretches my creative capacity.
This similar approach will help develop my coaching program and prioritize my health. I need rhythms, ones that are realistic and create space for me to thrive.
This year, when you think about the hopes and dreams you hold for 2022, ask yourself: What rhythms will get me there? If you take time to reflect, you will find that each of your goals call for certain habits to be developed in your life. This is the fun part for each of us, where we get to experiment until we find our groove. Here are some things to consider when creating consistent rhythms for the year:
What is realistic?
Like I mentioned earlier, writing for 6 hours a day is just not feasible for my routine. Instead, I created a doable rhythm that will require prioritization and discipline. You may not be able to pay off your debt by writing one big check. Most likely, you will be able to cut back monthly expenses in a few areas of your finances and increase your monthly payments towards debt reduction. When creating your rhythms, look for the sweet spot somewhere between impossible and easy. That’s where your rhythm will make the greatest impact over time.
What will I enjoy?
Your rhythms should be life-giving, not soul-depleting. If you want to improve your level of fitness but hate the gym, then don’t waste your money on the gym membership! Instead, create a workout routine from home or go for jogs or hikes outside. Rhythms are going to be a regular occurrence in your life, so make sure they bring you joy. The disciplines we tend to keep are ones that bring us delight in one form or another.
How does it need to be scheduled?
Rhythms need to fit into our day-to-day lives. Plan ahead and think through the frequency and best time of day for your rhythms. During the last 20 years, I have started my mornings with a rhythm of Bible reading and prayer. I’m a morning person by nature, and I know myself well enough to know that, once my day gets going, it becomes harder for me to carve out time for my daily devotions. This rhythm is reflected on my daily schedule, and it impacts what time I get up each morning. Whatever rhythms you create, make sure they make it onto your calendar and factor in the best time of the day for you to consistently practice.
How will I protect and nurture this rhythm?
Just like healthy relationships have clear boundaries, successful rhythms have clear boundaries. They must be protected and nurtured if they are going to be consistently practiced. Perhaps someone asks to meet during a time you’ve blocked out for developing that business plan. You can say to them, “sorry, not available.” Did you make plans to make a healthy dinner at home but are craving McDonald’s instead? Call up your friend for a good dose of accountability. Set your rhythms up for success through accountability, good planning and prayer.
I hope and pray that you enter 2022 ready to dream with God, that you have faith for progress and blessings in your life and that the rhythms you create while planning for success bring you great joy, personal development and spiritual growth!
Happy New Year!
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