7 Steps To Unleash Creativity and Shape Your Vision For the New Year

Embarking on a new year goes beyond the mere act of turning a calendar page; it's a golden opportunity to infuse vitality into your career dreams with a refreshed sense of purpose. Discover strategic steps to set compelling goals, acknowledge setbacks, and unleash creativity. Explore seven meticulously crafted steps for a purposeful, growth-driven year ahead. Join us to uncover these transformative insights. Start your journey.

Buckle up because we're about to embark on a thrilling exploration, looking back at the past 365 days, deciding what to carry forward, and weaving new dreams as we categorize our goals. The upcoming seven steps are crafted with meticulous care to unlock your creativity, fuel reflection, and spin a compelling vision for the approaching year. Get ready to step boldly into the undiscovered landscape of your future.

I do this exercise every year, and this year, I stumbled upon numerous accomplishments that initially slipped under my radar. Despite a feeling of not accomplishing much, a closer look at my 2023 tennis record revealed an exhilarating 25-7 standing! Each match demanded unwavering dedication, and the payoff was sweet. This success isn't just a boost to my confidence; it's a perpetual reminder of resilience when challenges rear their heads. I've learned to prepare diligently, seek support, take decisive action, reflect on valuable lessons, and apply them to conquer future challenges—on the court or in my career. Are you geared up for your thrilling journey of self-discovery? Grab your journal or download the worksheet linked to this article. 

Reflection Questions

1. Biggest Accomplishment: Take a moment to reflect on a significant achievement in your journey, shaping a narrative of resilience and accomplishment. What did you overcome and conquer this year?
2. Biggest Disappointment: Acknowledge challenges and setbacks, recognizing the adversity woven into your personal and professional growth.
3. Wisest Decision: Recognize decisions that led to positive outcomes and contributed to your personal development.
4. Most Grateful: Express gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of your life and finding beauty even in challenging circumstances.
5. Most Meaningful New Connection: Reflect on a new relationship that has entered your life, influencing your overall narrative. Then think about who exited out of your life this year.
6. Best Financial Decision: Consider financial choices that have provided stability and contributed to your well-being.
7. Most Memorable Moment: Recall an impactful moment that added depth to your life experiences.
8. Act of Kindness: Celebrate an instance of kindness and service, positively impacting someone.
9. Unfinished Goals: Identify goals that remain significant for your future endeavors.
10. Anticipating the Next Year: Envision the changes and improvements you want in the upcoming year, setting intentions for your future path.

After Drina S., a singer/songwriter, did this last year, she told me, "I started exercising, taking the initiative to do things I’ve always just thought about doing and having the discipline to do it! I just loved using art as a form of release. It’s so powerful and thought-provoking!"

Visualizing Your Future Goals 

Now that you've dedicated time to reflection, it's time to categorize your dreams and forge goals across various dimensions of your life. Anticipate the upcoming year by visualizing changes and improvements, setting intentions for your future path, and leveraging a Wheel of Life as your trusty guide. Consider your goals in the following categories:

• Family and Friends: Delve into your goals regarding relationships. This category can be further divided into Children and Siblings and Work Friends sections.
• Significant Other: Explore your aspirations concerning your significant other. Alternatives include Dating, Relationships, Significant Other, and Life Partner.
• Career: Outline your career goals. Alternative labels include Starting a Business/Side Hustle, Passion Project, Career Change, Requesting a Leave of Absence/Raise/Promotion, Volunteering, Learning New Skills, and Personal Branding.
• Finances: Detail your financial goals. Other label ideas include Money, Financial Security, or Financial Wellbeing.
• Health: Specify your health-related goals. Alternatives include Wellbeing and Fitness. This category could be split into Emotional Health and Physical Health and/or include Spiritual Health.
• Home Environment: Define your goals for your living space. Other labels could be Home, Apartment. This category could be split into two for work and home environments. It can also switch to "Work Environment" for career or business clients.
• Fun & Leisure: Articulate your aspirations for leisure and enjoyment. Some ideas for this category include Leisure Time, Sports, Recreation, Play, Creativity, or Enjoyment.
• Personal Growth: Outline goals related to personal development. Alternatives include Learning, Self-Development, or Spiritual Growth.

7 Steps To Unleash Creativity

Embarking on the journey of unlocking creativity and shaping goals involves a dynamic interplay between the analytical and imaginative aspects of the brain. This transformative process encourages the logical side to step back, allowing the imaginative self to explore new territories. It goes beyond being a mere exercise, emphasizing the opportunity to move beyond limitations and explore the depths of the subconscious. Within the creative zone, you may uncover insights and aspirations that the analytical mind might overlook, similar to tapping into a higher power. Engaging in this process extends beyond setting goals; it's about establishing a connection with your identity and authentic self.  Below, discover seven avenues to explore and express your creativity: 

1. Express Gratitude: Kick-off by spreading some love. Gratitude's like a magnet for good vibes! Express gratitude by starting your day with positive energy. Spread some love by telling someone how much they mean to you. Find new things to be grateful for daily, and get creative. Dig deep and explore the less obvious things that make you happy, like the sound of rain on the rooftop, your cat cuddling on your chest, or traffic slowing down so you can finish listening to your audiobook. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to attract more positivity in your life.
2. Dream Big: Free-write time! Unleash your dreams on paper. No limits! Set your timer for 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing, incorporating insights you learned from the Wheel of Life. Here's a shameless plug, but try The Wild Dreaming Deck. It's a tool to inspire and help you dive into your creativity to dream bigger!
3. Connect with Your Powerful Self: Channel your confidence. See yourself crushing it without holding back. Let's visualize and connect with the superstar you are! Each one of us has this gold within us; connect with it.
4. Summarize Your BIG Vision: Sum up your big goals into a powerful statement by incorporating some of the knowledge you've acquired. Your guiding star for the year!
5. Uncover Your WHY: Dig deep into why your goals matter. That's the fuel for your journey.
6. Craft a Vision Board: Art time! Create a vision board. Think colors, images, and vibes that shout "success!" Grab some magazines, glue, scissors, or create a digital version on Pinterest or Canva.
7. Develop an Action Plan: Break it down! Turn dreams into action steps. Let's make them happen, step by step. Pro tip! Break your goals down monthly or quarterly, so it feels less overwhelming. 

Get Into Action

Now, it's time to shout your dreams to the world—your friends, crew, anyone! Please share it in our inclusive, supportive Facebook group with over 900 members! Your dreams matter, and sharing them makes them real. So, here's your exclusive invite!

Join Us for "Success Blueprint 2024: Crafting Goals, Connections, and Art Playshop" on Jan 11, 2024, from 6-7:45 PM EST.

Escape the corporate grind and dream big with us! A chance to dive into creativity and plan your inspiring future.

Register Now ($24)

Playshop Highlights & Results:

• Creative Break from Routine: Immerse yourself in an interactive session, recharging your creativity and providing a much-needed escape from the monotony of corporate life.
• Dream about an Energizing Future: Unleash your imagination, envisioning a future that excites and inspires, offering a mental reset for greater motivation.
• Strategic Goal-Setting: Craft a personalized year plan aligning with your aspirations, turning dreams into actionable steps for a transformative 2024.
• Interactive Networking Sessions: Connect with like-minded corporate professionals, expanding your circle and fostering collaborative opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Artwork as a Symbolic Reminder: Produce a piece of artwork symbolizing your dreams—a daily inspiration reinforcing your commitment to your envisioned life.
• Guidance from Certified Coach: Benefit from the expertise of Kori Burkholder, a certified career and creativity coach who offers valuable insights, coaching, and guidance for career growth and fulfillment.

Event Details: 

Date and Time: Thursday, January 11th, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM EST

Location: Virtual Event (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Register Now ($24) for a night packed with growth, cool people, and a plan that screams success in 2024! Let's rock it together!

What to Bring:
BYFB—Bring Your Favorite Beverage and gather your arts and crafts materials for a Zoom Happy Hour filled with insightful conversations, shared visions, and the joy of creative expression.

About Your Host:
Kori Burkholder is a certified career and creativity coach and artist guiding professionals toward mission-driven, fulfilling, and rewarding career paths.

Register Now ($24) and Unlock Your Blueprint for Success!

Or Venmo: Kori-Burkholder $24 labeled as "Success Blueprint 2024"

Find out more event details here.