The Art of Blue Sky Planning: Advice From a Therapist for Women in New Orleans, LA
How are we feeling about 2024, y’all? After the last few years, I kind of feel like many of us have gotten away from that fluffy “ooh YAY new year!” thrill and closer to an “ok 2024, please be kind” apprehension. Blah.
But here’s the thing — just because a thought is pessimistic doesn’t mean it’s true. (Don’t come for me with the “it’s actually realistic, Dr. Rebecca,” because I don’t buy it.) And just because the loudest voice in your head is saying to prepare for the worst doesn’t mean that voice actually has any authority. That voice is anxiety, my friends, and even though she’s “trying to keep you safe,” she’s mostly a meanie.
(For a little extra guidance on identifying anxious thoughts, check out my podcast episode “What To Do With the Shoulds.”)
While the past few years have been rough for many of us, to put it mildly, we truly don’t know what the next year will bring. One thing I do know, however, is that while the world will dictate some of our experiences in 2024, we also have SO MUCH agency. So freaking much.
So what do we do with all of that big, gorgeous agency? We use it to act with intention. (Mmmmm that’s my favorite word.) Specifically, we’re going to do some “blue sky planning,” which simply answers the question, “How do I plan for things to go beautifully? What if I spent real time and energy imagining the best rather than the worst? Where do I really want to go this year?”
If you enjoy a little future fantasy planning I think this will feel very cozy for you. If you’re feeling anxious, pessimistic, or simply too lost in the daily grind to think about the future, I think you’ll love this little project as either a goal-planning activity or an enjoyable exercise to build healthy coping strategies.
Build Your Blue Sky Plan
Ready to get started? Here’s what to do:
Create space for yourself
Carve out a comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. (I know, all the plans on all the blogs start like this but trust me, it makes a difference.) This could be a quiet spot at home, a cozy corner in your local coffee shop, or an outdoor space that inspires you. It’s ok if this takes a bit of effort to find this for yourself — you’re investing in yourself, and sometimes your brain needs to put in a little elbow grease to signal that this is important work you’re doing.
2. Reflect on what your best year would look like
Grab a sheet of paper or your journal (or your Notes app, though I do think physically writing this can have its benefits) and answer the following questions for yourself:
If 2024 went perfectly, what would have happened?
How would you know / what data would you get that would tell you it was a great year?
How would you gather that data?
(For example, if your 2024 goal is to be more joyful, the data you’d need is your own emotional response, and you might benefit from keeping a list of joyful occurrences as a method of gathering that data.)
Here’s one point I really want you to remember — just because a goal could earn you a gold star doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. This is a tough one for any of us who have worked hard to climb the ladder of conventional “success” (I’m thinking high achievement in academics, business, career, etc.). In those scenarios, going for the gold star — the accomplishments that the higher-ups have set as the most important goals — is the exact way to get ahead. If you’re good in these scenarios, chances are you are excellent at identifying the correct gold star to get you where you want to go. This can be fantastic, but it’s not always the goal.
If that sounds like you, I want you to stretch a little bit in this exercise. Ask yourself if you’re building your plan based on your own true values vs. what everyone else thinks you should do, and lean into being the CEO of this project.
3. Embody the vision
Now that you have at least one facet of a blue sky plan, cast yourself as the main character. Vividly picture your absolute favorite version of yourself in this plan and write about her. What does she look like? How does she feel? What is she listening to /reading/cooking /dreaming about? What does a morning look like for her vs. 2 pm on a Sunday? And most importantly, what are the little things she’s doing that helped her achieve that fantastic year? And then, the big stretch — how does this gorgeous year change her? How is she different now because of this blue-sky year? This can be pure fantasy — don’t place any limitations on yourself. Dream big.
4. Put it into action… if you want to
Now you can put that plan into action! … Or not! Maybe you don’t want to put specific, measurable goals on this exercise right now, or maybe it feels like it’s not 100% in your control to do so. That’s ok. You can keep this as an inspiring fantasy, a lovely possible world to visit at your leisure. It will still have an impact on you as a motivator and a coping strategy.
If you do want to use this as a goal-building activity, distill your visions into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Break them down into actionable steps that align with your values and long-term vision. (And don’t forget to check out my blog post about goal setting to add some flexibility to your plans.)
You’ve Created Your Plan, Now What?
Now that you have one blue sky plan, go wild! You can use this exercise over and over again. Be specific, but don’t limit yourself — you’re the only one who can get you where you want to go, and chances are you won’t magically get further than you intend to. And don’t forget to seek joy in the process! This is a fun exercise, and the more fun you have with it the more effective it will be. So enjoy, my friends! And build a 2024 vision just for you.
Ready to Set Positive Goals With The Help of Therapy For Women in New Orleans, LA?
Empower yourself through transformative therapy tailored for women, providing a supportive space to explore and overcome challenges. Unleash your full potential as you work with skilled therapist for women at Rebecca AE Smith, Ph.D., who guide you toward personal growth, self-discovery, and the realization of your aspirations. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life by embracing therapy for women, designed to empower and uplift women on their journey to achieving their goals. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Begin meeting with a skilled therapist for women, Rebecca AE Smith, Ph.D.
Start setting your goals for 2024!
Other Services Offered With Rebecca AE Smith, Ph.D.
Are you a millennial struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, life transitions, and more? At Rebecca AE Smith, Ph.D., an online therapy practice in New Orleans, I can help you work through your struggles or challenges to begin managing and coping with your symptoms in healthy ways with Therapy for Women. I also provide online services for those all over the state of Louisiana and for those in Virginia. For more about me check out my About Me page and Blog!