Four Ways to Embrace the Power of Four: Goals for Real New Year
Let’s talk about the number four—a number that holds a special place in my heart (and not just because it’s my favorite!). There’s something magical about four. Think about it: we have four seasons, four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), and four cardinal directions. It’s the number of stability, balance, and foundation—a perfect number to anchor us as we prepare for the actual new year—the spring equinox.
If you’re like me, January can feel more like a post-holiday recovery zone than a time for major goal-setting. Winter is for resting, not hustling. But with the spring equinox just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to start clearing out those mental cobwebs, identifying fears, and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Here’s a playful and powerful four-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Identify Your Fears (and Befriend Them!)
Before you dive into goal-setting, it’s important to acknowledge the fears that might be holding you back. Fears aren’t the enemy; they’re messengers. What are they trying to tell you? Grab a journal and ask yourself:
What am I afraid of when it comes to stepping into my goals?
Where do these fears come from? Are they rooted in past experiences, societal expectations, or self-doubt?
Feel your fears—not to get stuck in them, but to understand them. Write them out, give them a name, and maybe even a personality (my fear of failure wears a top hat and has a questionable British accent). Once you’ve acknowledged them, you’ll notice they lose some of their power.
Step 2: Dream Big (and Small)
Now that you’ve faced your fears, it’s time to start dreaming. And let’s not limit ourselves to big, life-altering goals. The small ones count, too. Write down your dreams for the year ahead, whether it’s planting a garden, learning a new skill, or finally taking that vacation.
Pro tip: Organize your goals into four categories for balance:
Personal Growth
Relationships
Career/Creative Projects
Health and Wellness
By spreading your goals across these areas, you’ll create a well-rounded vision for your year.
Step 3: Align with the Energy of Spring
Spring is nature’s fresh start—the ultimate new year’s celebration. As the days grow longer and the earth begins to bloom, so can you. Use this season’s energy to:
Clear out physical and emotional clutter (Marie Kondo your closet and your heart!).
Start tiny habits that align with your goals—think planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically.
Spend time outdoors to soak up that fresh, vibrant energy.
Step 4: Write Your Intentions (and Feel Them!)
Intentions are like a blueprint for your dreams. The key to powerful intention-setting? Feeling it. When you write down what you want to create or attract, imagine how it will feel to achieve it. Write as if it’s already happening:
"I am thriving in my career and loving every moment of creativity."
"I am nurturing deep, fulfilling relationships with those I love."
Feel the joy, gratitude, and excitement as you write. That emotional connection is what turns your goals into reality.
The Power of Four in Action
This four-step process is a playful nod to the power of four—a number that helps us find balance and structure as we dream big. As we approach the spring equinox, take some time to reflect, clear, and align. Let’s make this year’s goals not just about doing, but about being in tune with who you truly are.
And remember: it’s okay if you’re still shaking off winter’s sleepiness. The earth’s energy will soon shift, and you’ll feel that natural momentum guiding you forward. Until then, honor where you are and take those small, steady steps.
With love, balance, and a sprinkle of four’s magic,
Maggie
