Instead of New Year’s resolutions, do a PYR
Instead of New Year’s resolutions, do a PYR
It is the start of the new year, a time in which many of us focus on trying to make positive changes to our lives.
That doesn’t mean you can’t be in the 1 in 10 that can be successful in their New Year’s resolution!
Over the break, I came across the concept of a PYR (aka past year review). It is something that Tim Ferris uses instead of New Year's resolutions to create a more intentional year.
These are my 5️⃣ tidbits (it needed more than 3️⃣!) on how the PYR works and how to reflect on 2024 to create a more intentional 2025:
1️⃣ Take a walk down memory lane
Grab your favourite cuppa, a cozy latte or a glass of something.
Print out my Joy and Jitters Tracker template (inspired by the PYR).
Next, review your 2024 photos, diary and calendar. Note the people, activities and commitments that brought you joy (the highs) and jitters (the drains).
2️⃣ Identify your joy
Ask yourself, “What people, activities and commitments brought me the most joy?” These are your priorities for 2025.
Use the reflections column to note anything that comes to mind as it relates to your joy or jitters. For example, when I reflected, I noticed that I enjoyed trying new restaurants or visiting new destinations, so I intend to schedule in a new restaurant or holiday in a new destination.
3️⃣ Turn plans into action
Talk is cheap—it’s not real until it’s in the calendar.
Schedule your joy now. Lock in time with family and friends, prepay for activities (if you can afford to) and take special note of those less joyful months from this year and book something joyful in those months in 2025.
4️⃣ Minimise the jitters
Look at the people, activities and commitments that drained you. If they’re unavoidable, minimise them and set clear boundaries.
5️⃣ Make it visible
Keep your 2025 joy plans front and centre (I like to jot them on a physical calendar and put them near the fridge) and use the jitters to remind yourself of what to avoid.
Prioritise what matters and make 2025 a year of meaningful relationships and energy well spent.
Thought Provoking Quotes on this week’s topic
Confucius
By three methods we may learn wisdom: first by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Paulo Coelho
I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed.