Every December 31st, I embark on a transformative journey by writing a letter that reflects on the past year and sets intentions for the next.
Since 2008, this powerful practice has been my compass, guiding me through professional challenges, health setbacks, and treasured family moments. Here’s why it’s a game-changer and how you can experience its profound impact.
What Makes a Letter Powerful
Unlike fleeting resolutions, an intentions letter is deeply personal, holistic, and actionable. It’s not just a list of goals, but a reflection of your unique journey. It compels you to:
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge achievements, big and small, to carry that momentum forward.
- Address Misses: Reflect on challenges and extract valuable lessons.
- Set Meaningful Goals: Break down intentions into specific areas of your life—profession, personal, and health—so your actions are focused and deliberate.
- BE SPECIFIC: Take time and give insight into the details. This truly is where details matter!
My Annual Letter: A Snapshot
Each year, I divide my letter into four key areas:
Profession: While my profession involves many technical aspects, I enjoy working with our team and clients. I focus my letter on what I can achieve by supporting our team and clients during the year.
Personal: Family and friends, what will happen during the next twelve months?
Health: “Health is the greatest wealth; nurture it with care, and it will fuel your life’s journey.”
Future: I started looking at life not in years but in summers. Summers are when we step away from the daily grind and create the memories that matter most—vacations with loved ones, lazy days at the beach, or simply enjoying long warm evenings. Each summer reminds us of the limited but precious time we must live fully and connect with those who matter most.
Thinking about summer brings clarity to what truly matters. It pushes me to prioritize experiences over things, moments over milestones, and presence over perfection. How many summers do you have left? And what will you do to make each one unforgettable?”
The results? A clear path forward and a more profound sense of gratitude and purpose.
How to Write Your Letter
Reflect on the year: What worked well for you? What didn’t go as planned? Why? This step is crucial as it helps you understand your past actions and their outcomes, providing valuable insights for setting your intentions for the next year.
Dream Big: Picture December 31, 2025. What will you be proud of? Write as if those achievements have already happened.
Get Specific: Structure your thoughts using categories (like profession, personal, and health).
Commit to your intentions: Share your letter with a trusted friend or mentor, someone who knows you well and can provide honest feedback. This step adds a layer of accountability to your intentions, making it more likely that you’ll follow through.
Why It Matters
This process isn’t just about writing; it’s about owning your story. It’s about taking control of your life and the direction it’s heading. It gives you the clarity and motivation to move intentionally toward your goals. That’s why I stopped making resolutions years ago and will never return.
Ready to Start?
Writing your letter could be the best decision you can make this year.
Need help aligning your financial goals with your intentions? Let’s talk—because at Tannery Company, we believe your story deserves the best possible ending.
