For reasons I’m not ready to write about publicly, January 2020 was the worst month of my life. So my New Year’s goals were nowhere near front of mind.

Fortunately, I spent most of January in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting with my church. My faith, my family, and my close friends got me through the things I had to face and I know they will get me through the things to come.

But I want a do-over.

So, 2020 starts for me today. And since February is my birthday month, this month truly will bring the start of a new year.

If January was a dumpster fire of a month for you, too, let’s start over together. Happy New Year!

Here’s what I’m doing to get back on track with my New Year’s goals.

Girl, it’s time to level up.

My inner voice has been saying this to me a lot lately. My husband and my best friend have been telling me this, too. And I’ve decided to listen to all of them.

That’s why I chose “GROWTH” as my word for 2020 and that’s why I’ve set 10 goals for 2020 that will take me to the next level in every area of my life.

I’m a huge fan of the mantra “December is the new January.” I believe if I’m going to be successful next year I have to start planning and preparing for that success this year.

If you’re looking to get a jumpstart on your January, too, here’s a list of 20 things I think writers should do before 2020.

The end of the year is just 5 weeks away! Being the goal digger that I am, of course, I’m already planning for 2020. While I think it’s important to enjoy these final weeks of the year (and the decade!) by spending time with family and friends, I believe it’s also important to have some alone time to think about the year ahead.

In fact, I’m scheduling a Dreaming Day for myself in the coming weeks. On this day I am going to go somewhere quiet with my journal and favorite pen in hand and answer some important questions about my hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.

Here are 20 questions you should answer for yourself as you begin to prepare for 2020.