Dear Empowered Reader,
I hope this letter finds you well and thriving as we journey through the early weeks of the new year. I'm reaching out today to share a few thoughts on personal growth and intentional change – topics that are near and dear to my heart, and I hope, to yours as well.
As I sit here, at the Northfield Library drafting this letter, I can't help but think about how far we've all come since this time last year.
I'm curious – what personal growth are you most proud of? Maybe you finally figured out that sourdough recipe rekindled an old friendship, or overcame your fear of public speaking. For me, I am celebrating my commitment to establishing a consistent meditation practice. It's been a game-changer for my focus and ability to respond instead of react to situations throughout the day.
Now, I know the word "change" can make some people bristle. But here's the thing – approaching it intentionally can be the key to unlocking incredible growth in our lives. At Empower Possible, I am a big fan of the Intentional Change Theory, which offers a fantastic five-step framework:
1. Discover your ideal self (Who do you want to be when you grow up? It's never too late to decide!)
2. Discover your real self (Warts and all – we're all beautifully imperfect) 3. Create your learning agenda (Think of it as your personal growth curriculum) 4. Experiment with new habits (Life's a lab, and you're the mad scientist) 5. Get support (Because we all need a small village)
I recently used this framework to boost my public speaking skills. I envisioned myself as a confident speaker, assessed my current abilities (improving my story telling skills), created a practice plan, tried out different techniques, and sought feedback from my colleagues (this was a test of my vulnerability but I did it and the feedback was incredibly helpful!). The result? I feel more confident in my ability to tell stories and connect with my audience.
When it comes to setting goals, I like to think of it as planning an adventure. Here are some tips to make your goals more achievable and exciting:
- Connect each goal to a "why"- what does completing this goal mean to you - Break big goals into smaller, daily actions -Rome wasn't built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour - Schedule "buffer time" for life's little surprises because let's face it, life loves to throw curveballs
For instance, if your goal is to find a new full-time job, it can feel overwhelming at first. But by breaking it down into manageable steps—like updating your resume for 30 minutes each day, networking with one new person weekly, or dedicating time to research companies that align with your values—you’ll find that each small action brings you closer to that exciting new opportunity.
I am a big believer in the power of small habits. It's like compound interest for your personal growth! Here are some micro-habits you might consider:
- Start each day with a moment of reflection. I like to ask myself, "What would it look like if I lived with a sense of purpose today? - Set aside 10 minutes for personal growth amid daily tasks. Even if it's reading an inspiring quote while brushing your teeth. - Give each day a sense of meaning. Today's purpose: Spread joy through smiling at someone or giving someone a genuine compliment.
I've found that starting my day with a quick gratitude journal has been a total game-changer. It's amazing how listing three things you're grateful for can turn even a seemingly average day into a special day.
Now, I'd love for you to take a moment and ponder:
1. What small, daily habit can you start today to support your biggest goal? No habit is too small – even deciding to smile at yourself in the mirror counts!
2. How can you approach change more intentionally this year? Remember, baby steps are still steps!
Your EMPOWER Framework
As you embark on this exciting journey of intentional change, let the EMPOWER framework be your trusty compass:
Explore your ideal self. Dream big – the sky's the limit!-
Map out your current reality. Be honest, but kind to yourself.
Plan your learning agenda. What skills will future-you thank you for?
Open yourself to new experiences. Say yes to adventure!
Work on building new habits. Consistency is key.
Enlist support from others. We're stronger together.
Reflect and adjust regularly. Flexibility is your superpower.
Remember, my friend, "I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and renewal."
As we wrap up, I want you to know I am rooting for you. I believe in your potential to create change in your life and in the world around you. By applying these strategies and embracing intentional change, you're setting yourself up for a year of meaningful growth and achievement that would make even your future self do a happy dance.
Let's regenerate our world, one small habit at a time. And remember, if you ever need a cheerleader or a listening ear, I'm just an email away.
Here's to your empowered journey!
With warmth and belief in you,
Take care, dear reader,
Julie
P.S. Don't forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Did you drink an extra glass of water today? That deserves a high five! | 
