Setting attainable goals, inspired by Japanese traditions

Nurturing confidence and direction, rather than overwhelm or stress

A temple in Japan I went to this winter

In Japan, the beginning of the year is a big deal. It’s a festive time, where people typically have time off until January 3rd, during which they visit family and friends. There’s always lots of food, gatherings, and events.

But one thing Japanese people also often do aside from celebrating, is they pray. They may go to a shrine or temple to make their first prayer of the year, a tradition called 初詣 hatsumode, or they may visit their family’s grave to pay respects to their ancestors.

These New Year’s prayers involve sharing your wishes and dreams, but also entails setting goals and your vision for what you hope the coming year will bring.

In short, starting the year with a quiet reflection.

It’s not quite like setting a New Year’s resolution, which can often morph into a list of things we ‘have to’ do or else we fail (which usually stresses rather than motivates).

Instead, I see this tradition as an opportunity to build a map and compass for the year.