How to Celebrate New Year’s in February

Those who know me know I hate New Year’s Resolutions. I haven’t set them in over 20 years. I hate the pressure of coming up with a statement that seems big enough to inspire action but is still achievable. And the thing is, I’ve never been good at reaching those lofty ambitions.

The bottom line is that I hate setting unreasonable and unattainable goals and then wishing that they would come true. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy setting intentions for what I would like to create. But resolutions feel inflexible and binding, generating guilt and shame when they don’t manifest into reality.

There are, however, a few things I do like about the New Year. First, I like the idea of a fresh start, a re-do, or a do-over. I like resetting my calendar, along with my business financials, and releasing all the commitments that didn’t meet my expectations from the previous year. Second, I like that it’s a new slate with renewed hope and opportunities to do it over differently next time. Finally, I’m excited by the prospect of trying out new ideas and finding undiscovered interests.

So, now that we’ve reached the beginning of February, I’m feeling some relief from the pressure that I was supposed to have set annual goals or made resolutions. I know it’s only a mind game I play with myself. But I feel like I’ve squeezed through January without anyone asking me about my resolutions. So, now that it’s February, I’m in the clear. Woo hoo!

Why This January was Different

The thing is, January 2022 was unique. Not pandemic unique, cosmic energy unique. Traditionally, the cosmic power of January is centered around “doing”-hitting the ground running, pushing to make things happen, and go-go-going. Instead, January 2022 was about reflection, contemplation, strategic thinking, and planning. It was an energetically ideal time to review what is important, identify priorities, and look at how to best utilize time and resources.

One thing that resulted from my being forced into low gear during the pandemic is my capacity of time, energy, and creative talent has been altered. I can’t go like there is no tomorrow anymore, nor do I want to. I believe this to be true for many people everywhere who are getting more selective with their time and energy.

Is it too late?

You may be thinking, “Well, darn. I missed the January reflection period. Now, what do I do?” Don’t worry. It’s not too late. There is still time for you to catch up and capitalize on the restart energy wave. Here’s the process I used. Perhaps it will be helpful to you. I think you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how quickly you’ll see results.

The Process

Find a quiet space without interruptions. For me, it is my walk-in closet. The clothes lining the walls muffle external sound and create a peaceful, secure environment. Your quiet space might be next to a raging fireplace or maybe on your back porch if you live in a warmer climate, as I do.

Bring along a pen, a pad of paper, and this blog article to your special place because it contains the questions that will guide you through your reflection process.

Settle in. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths to center yourself and quiet your mind.

After several minutes of breathing, open your eyes and read the first question – What has been working well in my life? Then, repeat that question several times, silently or aloud, to activate a response from your subconscious mind.

Record all of the ways things have gone well. Don’t be satisfied with just the first five or so answers that come to mind. Instead, dig deeper to discover more hidden gems.

Follow the same format for the remaining questions – taking ample time with each one. The real value comes after identifying the surface layer and reaching more profound layers of awareness.

The Questions

1. What is working well in my life? (Be as specific as possible. Example: I can use my gifts, talents, and training to help my clients find freedom from their past traumas.)
2. Why is it working so well? (Example: I trust myself and my intuition to help others become their best selves.)
3. What is not working as well as I would like it? (Example: I have not reached my ideal weight)
4. Why are those things not quite right yet? (Example: I don’t record everything I eat consistently and therefore exceed my 1200 calories per day. I enjoy a glass of wine or two several times a week, adding calories to my overall intake.)
5. What actions can I take to make those not quite right more right? (Example: Prepare my meals in advance, so I’m not ravenous when I start cooking and then overeat. Make my weight loss goal more important than the social aspect of a glass of wine with friends.)

The answers you get to question number 5 are the basis of you taking strategic action to get more of what you want. Because when you know the “why” behind what is working well, you can duplicate those efforts to receive more in other areas of your life.

So, What About February?

The cosmic energy of February is one of gearing up for action. It is an opportunity to take small steps and ultimately receive tremendous results in return. It’s about going with the energy flow. February is about harnessing the energy that is present – gearing up. To get the most out of this month’s power, you must first get prepared. So, do your reflection homework now, so you know you’ve got a plan to get where you want to go.

Use the insights you gained from the reflection questions to set the stage for the rest of the year. Remember to periodically revisit your list of “what went well.” Doing so helps you get into and stay in the energy of positive accomplishment and receiving.

Cheers to fresh starts and new beginnings, no matter the day, week, or time of year!