All in.
step-by-step guidance on dreaming big, taking intentional action, creating your own measures of success and getting comfortable with iteration.
January 5, 2025 [Moscow, PA]
Have you ever read a sentence or paragraph that changed your entire perspective on life?
For me, it was a line from Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain. She writes:
“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards. They try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so that they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.”
As we find ourselves in the middle of “resolution” and “manifestation” season - I wanted to reflect on this concept and share some personal insights and resources. Let this also be a gentle reminder - January 1 doesn’t have to be Day 1.
For years, I approached vision boards and goal-setting with linear thinking. I’d start with what I wanted to have (the trips, the handbags, etc.) and then decide what I needed to do to have it. Naturally, I assumed that by having these things. I would be happier.
As a high-achiever by nature, I ticked off most of my goals by the year’s end, dismissing anything unfinished as something to roll over into the next year. And so the cycle continued—year after year.
But when I read Gawain’s words, it was like a lightbulb went off. I realized I had been operating from achievement, not authenticity. I was focused on controlling outcomes, rejecting anything that didn’t fit the plan, and leaving little room for MAGIC.
That excerpt inspired a shift. I decided to try something new: to move and take intentional action from who I am, rather than what I want. That’s when I quit my job, started publishing my writing, left NYC, became a digital nomad, and started my own business.
When I began honoring who I truly am (someone who deeply values autonomy, creativity and freedom), my life felt more aligned and fulfilling. On the flip side, when I prioritized what I wanted over who I am—like setting a goal that compromised my autonomy—I often achieved the result but at a cost. I lost touch with my core values.
And when we lose touch with ourselves, don’t we lose the essence of what we truly want?
With this mindset, I’m planning my year ahead by centering on who I am at my core. Why not join me in this approach? Let’s do it together!
Start by asking yourself: Who am I? What dreams live in my heart?
To access this I recommend the Intention Setting Meditation by Chris Chorsini. Sitting in meditation, in silence, in compassion - allow the heart to speak. What does it feel like? Where do you feel it in your body?
Next, create a vision board. Choose words and images that evoke the feelings you experienced during meditation. Don’t overthink it!
Then, step into action. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve based on what my heart shared? This integration of authenticity (who I am) with achievement (what I want) is incredibly powerful.
When I did this, I envisioned myself as a healthy person—leading, loving, and supporting others. I saw a confident version of myself, with warmth in my heart and strength in my body.
Plan for Success
When planning to achieve your heart-centered dreams, consider what habits and systems will support you? Atomic Habits by James Clear is an invaluable guide here.
Just as important as adding new practices is letting go of old ones. Letting go creates space for better things to come—often beyond what you imagined.
For me, embracing a healthier lifestyle means working out more and drinking less. I schedule pilates sessions, morning walks, and even dance breaks into my calendar. It’s about showing up consistently, even when my mind resists change.
Experiment and Evolve
Finally, approach it all as an experiment. Create your own measures of success and check-in regularly. Design Your Life by Bill Burnett is a wonderful resource to guide this step.
Remember, experiments aren’t about finding THE answer—they’re about discovering answers. Give yourself the freedom to pivot and iterate with grace.
For my healthy lifestyle dream, the scale isn’t my measure of success. Instead, it’s about how I feel in my clothes and how consistently I show up for myself. If I stop showing up, it’s a signal to switch things up. If pilates no longer resonates with me, I can try something else. Changing direction isn’t failure—it’s evolution.
What’s one goal or dream you’re focusing on this year? How are you aligning it with who you are at your core?
Share your thoughts or reflections—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy dreaming! May your year be filled with authentic choices and heartfelt evolution.
with gratitude,
Krupa