How to do the New Year Right!

It’s almost 2017 already and by god this year went by so fast! But it’s been a good one. Most of you are probably out celebrating already but for the fair few reading this, thank you for your support this year and I hope you follow my journey into 2017 too.

So how do we do the New Year right? 2016 has been a good year to me and I think that’s because I didn’t set resolutions or goals which would later disappoint me. Most resolutions fail! Don’t say you’re going to lose 10 stone or make a million pounds!

That’s unrealistic!

Remember that a New Year doesn’t mean a new life. It’s still you. Your life. Your habits. Your everything. So instead, in order to make big changes you’ve got to work hard and shift your mindset. Plus, you’ve got to want it, and REALLY WANT IT. Stop making excuses. Stop being lazy. And set realistic goals, in bite-size portions.

Instead of saying I want to read a hundred books, instead say I wish to read at least 15 minutes each day – and then see if you get close to a hundred books at the end of the year! Instead of saying you want to make a million, say instead that you want to get a job with better pay. Instead of saying you’re going to find love,  instead say that you’re going to work on yourself and love yourself so that love can find you when you’re ready. Instead of saying I’m going to do this and that and this and that – SAY YOU’RE GOING TO IMPROVE AND FEEL STRONGER NEXT YEAR. THAT’S ALL, AND THEN REST WILL FOLLOW…

This time last year, I did something different to years before. Instead of setting goals or resolutions, I instead focused on how I wanted to feel in 2016 instead.

These were: Healthier, Happier, Well-rounded, and Confident/Independent.

I shaped my year’s goals/views/aspirations around these 4 feelings. I wrote down various things that could lead to me feeling these things, but I didn’t focus on the goal side of things. I focused on how I wanted to feel, only.

And it worked! I have achieved these feelings. I now feel healthier, happier, like a well-rounded individual and more confident than I did last year. So many achievements and personal developments have happened over the year (see the post on achievements) which led to me feeling these things. I’ve made mistakes (see the post on mistakes) and had various ups and downs but this year has granted me with BALANCE which is what everyone should strive for because perfection in life doesn’t exist.

So in order to do the New Year right, you need to shift your mindset.

Stop expecting instant changes.
Stop beating yourself up.
Stop setting unrealistic goals.
Break down your aspirations into easier portions.
Aim to feel differently, not necessarily be or do different.
Declutter.
Cut out the negativity.
Get people to help you.
Track your progress.
Be grateful.
Reward yourself.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with crazy long lists.
Keep moving forward.
Keep trying.
Work hard, and then work harder.
Never give up.
Do things.
Start as you mean to go on.
Keep it up.
Don’t just talk the talk.
Don’t tell people what you aim to do, just do it.
Say yes to opportunities.

 

Good luck, 2017 is yours to take by storm so be weary of your thoughts, change you mindset and get it done.