Do you have a favorite time of the year? Would you opt for a year-long spring or summer if you could?

In talking with many people about this question, I’ve come to believe many of us might choose just that if given the choice. 

New buds and blooms would appear daily, and the temperature would always feel just right.

Thankfully, the natural cycle of seasons does not allow such a preference. Because—as lovely as it sounds—perpetual spring or summer simply isn’t sustainable.

There is a time when trees must shed their old leaves. And there is a time when everything around the trees lies dormant, allowing them to strengthen their roots. 

Like nature, your energy, focus, and interests fluctuate throughout the year—so, like the trees in winter, our work goes deep and inward.

Winter is a time to reflect, prepare, and strengthen our roots. It is during these calm and cold months that we ready ourselves. 

By aligning your intention setting with the season, you optimize your progress toward the springtime to come.

THE SEED PACKET 

Add HEART To Your S.M.A.R.T. Goals

The winter season is a perfect time for reflection and contemplating new intentions.

While many people dive right into setting New Year’s resolutions, taking time to reflect can better shape your future.

Consider the moments that stand out, both the successes and the challenges. How have they shaped you, and what lessons can you carry forward into the new year?

Most of us are familiar with S.M.A.R.T. goal-setting in the workplace, but H.E.A.R.T. goals offer a new perspective for setting intentions.

HEART goals are:

H – HEART-CENTERED: Are your intentions aligned with your core + lifestyle values?
E – ENERGIZING⁠: Do they light a fire in your belly?
A – AGILE: Are your goals nimble and easy to iterate?
R – REALISTIC: Are they doable within the next 90-ish days? 
T – TINY ACTION: Can you break them down into tiny actions (microsteps)?

As we move into the new year, get your HEART goals on the calendar. Reach out to your support system for accountability and give yourself a deadline. 

If you want help putting your HEART-based planning into action, download my HEART-based development plan workbook—for FREE. 

Plant your seeds now; watch them bloom over the next 90 days.

VISUAL PROPAGATION

“Heart Art”

Heart Art is a slow, artistic process I have added to my HEART-based career planning. Heart Art is a kind of vision board for the season, and it serves as a beautiful visual representation of your career intentions for that season. 

Create your Heart Art by curating images and words that answer these reflective questions:

+Achieve: What do I want to achieve this season? 
+Connect: Who do I want to collaborate and connect with?
+Grow: What’s on my Learn List?
+Nourish: How will I nourish to flourish?
+Thrive: How do I hope to *feel* when I achieve these things?

You can go full artist with this art project and draw or paint your Heart Art, or you can go “old-school collage” with magazine clippings. Canva can even offer a fun, techy approach to Heart Art. 

When you’ve finished, place your Heart Art somewhere you’ll see it daily to provide you with inspiration + motivation throughout the season.

Jenn’s Flourishing Favorites

LISTENING

Fireside Focus Playlist

I made this playlist for you; turn it up while reflecting and setting new intentions. These wintertime tunes will set the mood for reflection and encourage a fresh start in the cozy warmth of the season.

LISTEN HERE

SHARING

Sharing the episode “HEART-Based Goal Setting: The Cheshire Cat’s Career Wisdom” from The Flourish Careers Podcast. 

Learn the three-part framework to craft your HEART-based career plans. This episode has a fun spin with reference to Alice in Wonderland and how NOT to fall deep down the rabbit hole when setting your intentions.

TUNE IN

PLANNING

My Fave 90-Day Planner

Ready to boost your focus as we move through wintertime? This 90-day planner is my favorite! It aligns perfectly with HEART-based career planning and even has space for your Heart Art. 

YES PLEASE