The calendar may say that it’s a new year, but my new year was a few months ago in September. I always feel that “going back to school time” is really the start of my new learning season. But alas, you have bright shiny new calendars on your office, shop, and kitchen walls, so as you are taking down last year’s calendars, and reviewing your 2022 diary or journal, take some time for reflection.

1. What do I remember and value from my past year?  I need to list the accomplishments that I deem most noteworthy: My disappointments from that same timeframe are…

2. I learned from what I did accomplish that: I also learned from what I did not accomplish that…

3. If I reframe my learnings into counsel for the coming year, I hear myself advising…

4. Boulders: I notice that I experience a definite resistance (pushback) that tends to limit either my accomplishments or my being who I most genuinely am.
This resistance looks and feels like…

5. The 7-8 most deeply held beliefs or core values that I want to live by in the next year are: …. You might like to choose a theme word for 2023 My word for 2022 was “listen”, in the past I have chosen courage, hope, joy, pacing, and generosity. Find a smooth stone and write your theme word on the rock with a Sharpie marker. You’ll be amazed how many times in the upcoming year you can affirm that you have chosen the right theme. Words are powerful. Pay attention to the one that grabs your heart and soul for the new year.

6. What are at least two goals for each of the roles I live in for 2023?

• My personal physical, mental, emotional & spiritual well-being, and growth… self-care.
• My family…marriage/partners and children
• My friends…
• My work…
• My neighborhood or closest community…
• My world

7. What are my top 7-8 goals for next year out of all the goals listed in #6?

Who am I willing to share this with to be accountable and responsible for achieving them? How will I keep track of my progress? Can I write them on a colourful paper for the office wall?

CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL WORK

There is power in your pencil and pen. I know that many of the “next-gen” use thumbs instead of pencils, but whatever works, use it. Studies have shown that folks who write their thoughts out in journals live longer. There is also research that shows the success rate of those who commit goals to paper or computer are more likely to hit the marks and targets they set.

Many farm families tell me that they just want “a happy family”, they want harmony and time to hang out together as a family. Okay, what does that look like in practice? Set some weekends aside now for fun at the lake, either in the snow, or in the summer with the boat, canoe, kayak, or wiener sticks!

Decide who is hosting the next gathering and block out the dates early. We all lead very “busy” full lives, but we all make choices to commit to what is important.

I am thankful for the quiet solitude and space of a thriving prairie farm. A blanket keeps the winter chill off as I craft encouragement to you. My goal for 2023 is to continue to cherish family and relationships since intimacy and friendship are 2 of my top 6 values. I know this to be true as I have a Value Styles Indicator assessment that I use with myself and my farm family clients. If you would like more clarity about the different beliefs or common values that are driving your farm team, contact me, and I’ll set up the assessment for your farm team, online. Conflict is fueled when the values you embrace are not honoured in your farm workplace. Perhaps the tension triggers you are experiencing are a result of messed up or incongruent value expectations.

Make sure that your goals align with what you truly value and cherish, then your chances of success in hitting your targets and achieving your goals will be greatly enhanced.

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Please download the roles storyboard, values cloud, and sample values style indicator for your use to help you get more intentional about your life in 2023.

Click here to watch the Finding fairness in farm transition Webinar sponsored by RBC.

Elaine Froese is on a mission to help farm families find harmony through understanding.

Did you enjoy Making Sense of 2022 to Plan for 2023? You might want to check these articles out too:

A New Frame to see Transition Possibility and Movement
Saying “sorry” at harvest
Transition Planning does not have to be tough