5 Key Reminders For The New Year

As we begin this year, we will no doubt start establishing clarity of goals and making plans and decisions as to how we are going to maneuver through the “sea” of opportunities and challenges that will flow into our mental and physical “inbox”. With this in mind, I wanted to share 5 simple but useful messages that are worth remembering and that helps us both mentally and physically as we continue to forge the path forward.

I am writing this as a personal reminder as well !! Yes, I have to work on myself too, so here goes:

1. Take action every day

If there is one true motivator for anyone, it is progress. Progress gives us the inspiration to keep moving forward and reminds us that jumping into the “chaos” (dealing with problems early) will eventually bring order. When trying to motivate ourselves, action precedes motivation, not the other way around. If you don’t feel like exercising or cooking or moving to the next work-related task, just start, the motivation will come later. We can’t always expect that something external will show up to inspire us to act and don’t depend on it.

2. Don’t worry unnecessarily about what people think about you.

Remember that people are battling their own “demons.” – If you’re like me, then you will know that this can have a tremendous impact on moving forward. Remember that how you feel at any moment is due to the “story” you are telling yourself so always remember this:

People spend more time thinking about themselves than thinking about others.

Focus on what matters.

Keep reminder 1 in mind i.e. keep taking action!!

We rarely achieve goals entirely on our own. Know the people who always have your back. Stay connected and seek constructive feedback from the people who support you on your journey whether they are family, close friends and acquaintances, or clients.

3. Be realistically optimistic

Realistic optimism is the ability to balance out negative and positive aspects of situations, circumstances, and people as you explore opportunities. It is crucial that you have a clear definition of what success looks like and see yourself achieving it. Think through what challenges you may meet along the way. This is not being negative, it is simply being objective. What realistic optimism also does is help you to distinguish between what you can and can’t control.

4. Keep your body strong

15 minutes of exercise is 1% of your day. Occasionally I will hear someone say; “I don’t have time to exercise”. What that really means is that exercise is not important enough to them. They certainly make the time to do the things they value. They may put a value on “surfing” the internet, watching the news for an hour, or even getting ready to go out. Can you add 15 minutes to that “getting ready” time? What value are you putting on this aspect of your health?

5. Practice gratitude

Always be thankful for what is going well right now, what you have achieved, and for those who have supported you. Deep down there is a part of you that is proud of what you have become. Gratitude can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gratitude is also linked to improved mood, positive attitude and can contribute to a sense of well-being when done regularly

Have a fantastic 2022!!