Each year, the color company, Pantone, announces their Color of the Year. The color for 2023 is Viva Magenta, described as “expressive of a new signal of strength… brave and fearless…” We think this vibrant color is a pretty great sign to plan for, experience, and then reap the rewards of a well-planned 2023! So what is your plan or theme for the year ahead?
Whether you complete your personal vision plan in early 2023 or in April when the seasons are changing again, your year of personal success – as with your business - can begin at any time! The most important thing is to get started, then find someone to hold you accountable as you reach your goals. Let’s talk about how to get started with taking your vision and making it actionable this year, so that you get to the end of the year and all of your goals are DONE! So let’s get to it.
PLAN YOUR RETREAT
It’s up to you to describe what your ideal life looks and feels like and the following steps will help you bring that ideal life to reality. The process starts with dedicated retreat time. It may be you and your partner planning your future. Or you may be flying solo. Either way, plan your retreat time at home with no distractions or better yet, at a hotel or other away-from-home escape. We like to do this in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and spread it out over the course of a week! Whatever you do, try and be free of distractions in a place where you can be focused.
PREP WORK
Before you head out on your retreat:
Watch The Secret: watch the movie “The Secret,” taking notes together and pausing where notable topics require discussion or careful reflection. I suggest paying specific attention to the force known as the ‘law of attraction.’
Living Space Walk-Through: take a walk through your house, apartment, wherever you live, noting all projects and improvements you intend to make, assigning a priority level for each task. As you review the list, consider who is the best option to complete the project – is it your or your partner? Or is it a contractor? (Be honest!) And associate approximate costs to help you decide what to complete and when.
Pack:
Notebook and pen
Calendar
Budget
Living Space project list
Blank thank you notes
Vision board components (poster board or cardboard and magazines or other printed publications from which you find inspiration)
THE RETREAT
As you dedicate the next 36 – 48 hours to focusing on the future, keep the law of attraction in mind. Relieve yourself of any negative thoughts. Imagine a life where there is plenty of money, where you’re making a difference with the people you love, all as defined by you.
The retreat is the time to dig deep with your partner or with your inner voice if you’re single. Talk or think things through carefully. Lay out your desires, your hopes, and your dreams. Absolute clarity is the ideal goal when you leave the retreat. Keep this Buddhist quote at the forefront: “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”
RETREAT AGENDA
Night One:
Enjoy dinner out to dream big and get clarity! Make sure and bring your notebook to write down your ideas.
Begin with a discussion (or think and journal if you’re on your own) of the topics of what and whom each of you is grateful for.
Think about your big dreams and desires for your life 5-10 years from now. Personal, professional, family, income, etc.
Next, what must be true in the future to move you in that right direction? Write your set of affirmations (all ideas for right now, nothing has to be formal yet - eventually we want 3-7 different ones), written as if they are already true. An example of an affirmation is: “I am living in my dream home, I have the time and freedom to visit amazing destinations for two weeks each year, I am living my ideal life, I am smart and successful, I am living in perfect health, I travel to a new destination four times per year.” You get the idea.
Next it’s craft time in your room!
Create your vision board(s), depicting your ideal life 5-10 years out. Be specific with numbers, dates, and goals, where possible. Take inspiration from phrases and images cut from magazines or other publications. If there’s a phrase or quote that resonates but isn’t readily in print, use your creativity in spelling it out (or allow your computer to help when you get home). Once your board has come together, get a good night’s rest and review your vision board again in the morning. (TIP: update your board as necessary and celebrate when you accomplish things ahead of plan!)
Day Two:
Energize your body and your brain first thing with a workout, a walk, or a good yoga session.
Over breakfast and through the morning, focus on what a successful year ahead will look like for you. What are your fitness goals? What are your professional goals? Financial goals? I personally like to set the main areas of our 1 Year Plan to mind, body, soul, and professional goals. Be sure to add in those living space project priorities from your earlier walk-through as part of the annual plan.
Next, begin filling in your plan, looking for alignment, core themes, and milestones you’ll want to hit in order to reach your annual and vision board goals.
Next Steps:
Enjoy the remainder of your time in retreat, manifesting your future, and living your best life. You may wish to end the retreat or spend more time manifesting, planning, relaxing and resetting
Spend time writing cards to each person that you spoke about on day 1 as being grateful for - LET THEM KNOW! Or make it your first priority once you are home to get those notes done. Launching into your year of greatness by sharing gratitude with those who inspire, motivate, and hold you up is a phenomenal way to start. These people are your rocks and will certainly appreciate the gesture of gratitude.
Set with your vision board and 1 Year goals, find either your partner or a friend to hold you accountable.
You may choose to hang your vision board and goal sheet in a conspicuous place like your kitchen where you see it daily (think of all that time spent washing dishes while being reminded of your goals and dreams).
State your affirmations daily and out loud. Begin speaking them into existence.
For the best success, schedule a monthly dinner date night with your partner, or your team of one, to review the past month’s success and continue to look ahead to plan the month ahead. Your thoughts and conversation should evaluate what went well, where adjustments need to be made, and focus on the numbers. Celebrate your wins as you go!
THE NEXT RETREAT
As you head off a year from now for your next annual planning retreat (perhaps to a farther-flung destination this time?) begin with a review of the past year’s vision board (ok to bring a photo of it and not the whole board). Take stock of any new or yet-to-be-completed house projects. The retreat can include an agenda similar to the last one, focusing on the next year and again looking 5-10 years into the future.
Please know that what works for one couple or one person may not be right for you, and just means that you have to use your intuition and focus on YOUR journey. Do not get trapped in the comparison game.
If you are seeking a deeper dive or personalized guidance, you can find a wide range of resources from books to conferences, personal coaches, and financial planners. I personally have years of experience doing this and leading retreats for women and couples who want to do this together, so please reach out to me if you need support (JamieMunoz@CatalystIntegrators.com)! I am here to help you live your ideal life!