Ever heard the phrase "New year, new you"?

The new year brings with it a fresh start - a new beginning. And the past is - well - in the past.

Done.

Finished.

Never to bother you again.

All thanks to the turn of the calendar.

Sorry but... It's not reality.

You aren't a "new" person just because it's a new year. And unless you've done the work involved in letting go of the past, it's not going to suddenly leave you alone.

The past will keep haunting you until you've dealt with it in a healthy way (which involves processing your feelings, your beliefs and the part you played; and also forgiving yourself).

So no, the turn of the calendar isn't going to suddenly make you different. Nor will it mean different results.

Unless you strive to do the hard work mentioned above.

This might be why the week between Christmas and New Year's always feels a bit BLAH for me.

Yep, this time of year always feels a bit heavy. Even though I'm a pretty positive person (who once got a date in College because of my outward bubbliness).

I take this time to reflect on my:

• Successes,

• Failures, and

• Lessons learned.

And I work through all the emotions of leaving that stuff behind so that I can focus on my present and future.

Which is heavy - but a good sort of heavy. Because it always results in big lessons to take with me into the new year.

What about you, Friend?

How do you feel this time of year (and do you spend any time reflecting on the past, like me)? I would love to hear what you do - just hit reply and let me know.

And then be sure to listen to this week's special podcast about what I learned last year that I'm taking with me into this new year.

Go >>>here to listen to What To Take Into The New Year.

XO,

Heather

P.S. Because it's goal-setting time for many of us, I have just the thing you need. Tap here to grab my Goal-Setting & Achievement Workbook. Within this workbook, you'll:

• Conduct a review of the past year (with the exact questions to ask yourself).

• Learn how to set values-based goals (that motivate you to achieve them).

• Get a framework for goal-planning and achievement.