The new year is a time for fresh starts and setting intentions for personal growth and well-being. According to Tina Thornton, a registered nurse and associate vice president of wellbeing and safety at Nationwide, creating a well-being vision involves thinking about who you want to be in the new year and setting intentions that are personal and meaningful to you.

To begin, Thornton advises recording your vision by writing it down. This helps to solidify your ideas and give them more weight. By putting your vision on paper, it becomes a concrete goal rather than a vague wish.

In addition to recording your vision, it's important to make a plan. Thornton suggests writing down the actions you will take to achieve your goal. For example, if your intention is to exercise more, specify how you will incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Setting reminders for yourself is another helpful strategy. Leave notes in places you frequently see to reinforce your goal and keep it at the forefront of your mind. These small cues serve as constant reminders and can help you stay on track.

When setting your intentions, it's important to be sensible. Avoid aiming for goals that are too difficult or painful to accomplish. Instead, focus on realistic and attainable actions. Thornton gives the example of joining a running group and committing to running four times a week instead of setting a goal to run a four-minute mile.

Thinking long-term is also crucial when setting well-being goals. Many common goals, such as losing weight, exercising more, and getting out of debt, require careful planning and a sustained effort over time. It's important to be patient and recognize that these goals may take longer than a few days or weeks to achieve.

Forgiving yourself is an essential part of the process. Setbacks and mistakes are inevitable on the journey towards any meaningful goal. Thornton encourages self-acceptance and understanding that setbacks are a normal part of the process.

Taking care of your emotional well-being is equally important. Thornton suggests practicing mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to help calm yourself during times of stress and transition. These practices can help you stay grounded and resilient as you navigate your daily routine.

In addition to emotional well-being, Thornton emphasizes the importance of caring for your physical well-being. This can involve exploring different eating or movement styles that align with your personal preferences and current state of health.

Creating connections is another valuable aspect of a well-being vision. Thornton recommends joining clubs, groups, or communities that share your interests and values. These connections can provide support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

Lastly, Thornton advises taking advantage of resources offered by your employer and the community. Many companies, including Nationwide, provide employee resource groups, employee assistance programs, health programs, and financial education. These resources can help you reach your goals and connect with others who share similar aspirations.

In summary, setting a well-being vision for the year involves reflecting on who you want to be and setting intentions that are personal and meaningful to you. By recording your vision, making a plan, setting reminders, being sensible, thinking long-term, forgiving yourself, practicing emotional resilience, caring for your physical well-being, creating connections, and finding more fun, you can work towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Remember to take advantage of available resources and support systems to help you along the way.