Once again, a new year is upon us. It may seem like another day to some, but many of us view it as a unique opportunity for possibilities. It feels like another chance to set goals, dream of accomplishments, and hope for success. Well, why not? Who doesn't want to reset, reevaluate and refresh? The beginning of the year is perfect for establishing objectives and creating a plan of action. Here are a few ideas to help you with your resolutions (even if you decided not to put a to-do list together).
- Be Realistic: I believe in dreaming big, but not to the point that I set myself up for failure. Approach your ideas with an understanding of what needs to be done to make them come to fruition, the time frame, and the resources you'll need. For example, it may be time to switch to another company or see about a new career. The rut you want to get out of will take some research before you shake things up. Check out the company you wish to apply for by talking to people who already work there. It may seem glamorous on the outside, but internally may be a different story. Stepping into another line of work may involve training and education. Make sure you simultaneously budget your time working at your job and learning about your new passion. The more time you spend mapping out a plan of action, the closer you'll get to your goal.
- Take Small Bites: This is good advice when eating, but I'm talking about breaking down your objectives into small, doable steps. Starting anything new, an exercise program, learning a language, or playing an instrument, can be daunting when looking at the whole picture at once. Burnout happens quickly when we are so gung-ho that we dive into a program at a crazy pace. Practice patience with yourself and the process it will take to begin a new routine. If you're new to working out, don't try to do a marathon in one day. Take your time and learn the basics with good form. Don't compare yourself with anyone else; this goes for anything you're attempting that's new. Everyone has a starting place, and it's different for everyone. The most important point to remember is that you enjoy the journey.
- Make Your Health a Priority: I'm talking about mental, physical, and spiritual health. The first thing that goes on the back burner of our busy lives is our well-being. Unfortunately, it's the one thing that will prevent us from achieving our goals for the year. When we don't feel good, when we're depressed or disconnected from ourselves, doing anything extra falls by the wayside. Life has many twists and turns, but we can handle them better when we're healthy in body and mind. If you're having trouble finding the time to exercise, make a point to stretch for ten minutes in the morning or before bed. It may lead you to do more, but even a few minutes of breathing deeply and moving your body will give you a chance to relax. Put on a guided meditation while you're at it and reap the benefits of feeding your soul. These small changes will become a habit in no time.
The best thing about entering a new year is dreaming of what adventures we'll go on. I try to see a silver lining in every event, a chance meeting, and prospects around the corner. So here's to a great year of hope and optimism for all of us!