The New Year often brings a chance for new beginnings and an opportunity to focus on what really matters. We can set new intentions and create an action plan to make change in your life. It’s a chance to rethink old patterns and establish better ones. It’s a chance to really get clear on what you want, which leads to better health and more happiness.
Sometimes we want to make changes, but don’t know where to begin. Below are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling.
1. Figure out who you are and what you are passionate about. Take time to write down a description of you and what you get excited about. What do you feel passionate about? What really matters to you? What is your highest value? For example, you may discover you are not taking care of yourself. So, you may want to think about what you are going to do to take care of yourself such as getting a massage, walking three times a week or getting more connected spiritually.
2. Work through issues from the past. Sometimes we let our past have a lot of power over us. It can keep us stuck in anger and resentment. In order to eliminate road blocks, it is extremely important to work through past issues or hurts. This gives us clarity and freedom to let go and move on. It means facing the pain of the past and moving through the feelings that go along with it.
3. Get outside your comfort zone. Change can be uncomfortable and hard. It’s like writing with the opposite hand. So if you’re right-handed, it will be extremely uncomfortable to write with the left hand. However, you are going to grow and evolve. After a while, you will get more used to it and it won’t be so uncomfortable. Move into the fear. Don’t let the fear dominate your thinking and keep you from getting what you want in your life.
4. Write out an action plan. This is an important step. What are the things you need to do to make a change? Do you need to change your routine? Follow the plan for 21 days consecutively. Research indicates the change is more likely to stick.
5. Give to others. Start your day with gratitude and think about how you can make a difference in the world. Change starts with one person at a time – let it start with you!