How to Prepare for the New Year Like a Life Coach

How Does a Coach Set Goals and Prepare for the New Year?

A new year often brings about a sense of renewal—a fresh start that can inspire people to take charge of their lives. With all the advice floating around on goal-setting and creating lasting change, a coach's perspective stands out as truly eye-opening. 

With the knowledge and tools they have, a coach takes a more profound approach to goal setting—one that helps them move toward more authentic and lasting life transformations. Recognizing the limitations of surface-level goals, a coach does a deeper exploration into the underlying factors that shape our new year intentions.

So if you're up for a journey of self-discovery and want to prepare for the new year with a coach-centric approach, let's do it together!

We'll get to the heart of the limiting beliefs or fears that have likely been shaping your path and uncover what truly matters, to set the stage for genuinely meaningful and lasting transformations in the year ahead.
 

The Art of Digging Deeper for Goals With Staying Power

 
Setting goals that actually stick involves more than meets the eye. Although the act of jotting down new year intentions that excite us in the moment can feel gratifying, the true challenge emerges when the initial enthusiasm subsides. As the once-roaring fire starts to die down, it’s often a sign the goals weren’t born from our authentic selves but rather from external conditioning.

This year, we encourage you to prepare for the new year by embarking on an honest exploration beneath the surface of your consciousness.

Imagine diving into the recesses of your mind—think of it like navigating an expansive ocean. On the surface, you encounter the turbulence of conscious, everyday thoughts—visible, dynamic, and sometimes erratic waves that mirror the ebb and flow of daily life. Yet, beneath this observable layer lies the unconscious mind, the largely unexplored terrain where the roots of your deeper beliefs and motivations and quietly exist.

Understanding the unseen currents is pivotal to setting new year intentions that are genuinely your own and have a far greater likelihood of sticking for the long term.

Ready to Dive Deep and Get Curious?

Let’s prepare for the new year by getting quiet and diving deep, listening below the hum of everyday thoughts and seeing if we can hear some of those deeper desires.

Step 1: Get Comfortable and Quiet

We’d invite you to start by carving out a stretch of uninterrupted time, and finding a quiet space. Choose a comfortable spot and, if you can, grab a pen and paper (or another note-taking tool of choice).

Once you’re settled in, take a few slow, deep breaths. See if you can allow the everyday chatter in your mind fade into the background, and simply focus on the sounds and sensations of your breath.

Step 2: Invite Fear to Move to the Back Seat

For the purposes of this exercise, we’re going to invite you to do some big, bold dreaming and visioning for your future. But as you may know, fear often likes to get loud and take the wheel when we start to dream too big. For you it might show up as fear of how you’ll be perceived, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown.

While our fear might have the best of intentions trying to protect us from risk and keep us safe, the truth is, we don’t have to allow it to steer us away from the things we really want in this life. As Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us in her book, Big Magic, we can acknowledge our fear and even have a loving relationship with it, without letting it drive our decisions or giving it too much power. As Gilbert says:

"I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote.”

Take this opportunity in your calm, centered state to greet your fear gently and thank it for working so hard to keep you safe. Then, invite it to take a little rest while you get to the important work of dreaming big.

Step 3: Picture a Future Free from Fear

Now that fear has stepped aside, it's time to get quiet and connect with your true self and desires.

What is it you really, truly want for your life? Where has fear been holding you back from moving toward those things? And most importantly, what could your life look and feel like if fear wasn’t a contributing factor? What might you be willing to try or pursue if it weren't for fear?

• Would you pursue a brand-new profession? 
• Live in a completely different part of the world? 
• Learn a new language or hobby? 

Journal prompt: Take some time to jot down a list of big dreams and goals that have maybe felt too big, too out of reach, or too scary to say out loud until now. You don't have to know for sure that you want to pursue all of them, just write down every possible dream you can think of without judgement. Notice what it feels like to put them into words, and to claim them. How do you feel? 

Step 4: Brainstorm New, Fear-Free Intentions

Based on your reflections, it's time to create a list of new year goals or intentions that are free from the limitations placed on you by fear.

These goals should reflect your true self and align with your deepest desires. Consider new year intentions that bring you genuine joy and excitement; they might even scare you a little—and that’s perfectly okay! Goals that are a bit intimidating often mean you’re expanding boundaries and awakening more of the tremendous potential that resides within you.

(And if you're wondering how to set these goals into motion, check out our blog post on how to set and achieve your goals!)

Finally, it’s also important to recognize that the voice of fear may have been there at times to provide a sense of structure, protection, or guidance in your life. Express gratitude for the role it has played, acknowledging that at times it may have served a valuable purpose—even if you don’t quite know or agree with it now. As we grow and evolve, it’s common for us to shed the fears and limiting beliefs that no longer serve us on the path of awakening our potential.

This compassionate release allows you to step into a new chapter of your life, unencumbered by the shadow of old fears and with a heart full of gratitude for any lessons they brought to your path.

Want Some Extra Accountability and Support Making Meaningful Changes in Your Life This Year?

Taking charge of your life in a meaningful way requires the courage to explore the deeper waters of your consciousness. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of eliminating inner blocks and awakening your personal potential, we encourage you to check out Coaching Fundamentals. 

This isn’t your typical training—it's interactive and immersive, designed to help you tap into your inner energy, shake up your perspectives, and see your world in a whole new light. It's not just about a new year, it's about embracing a fresh, new way of living.

Whether your goal is to start working with paying coaching clients (either full-time or as a side-hustle!), grow as a leader and boost your earning potential, or experience the impact of eliminating inner blocks and awakening your personal potential . . . this 3-day live training will help you master new skills, build confidence, and begin paving your unique path forward.