A New Year often begins with high hopes and bold resolutions. This will be the year when everything is going to change, we tell ourselves. Yet within weeks (days!), it’s over; we’ve failed yet again.
New Year’s resolutions are not the problem. It is that this brand new year still involves the same old you and me, with all our quirks and flaws. If you really want meaningful change in your life, you will need to move beyond wishful thinking to make choices that lead toward lasting transformation.
Here are seven steps you can take toward a more meaningful year:
Process Your Past
Your mother’s drinking problem. The love that got away. The friend that betrayed you. Your divorce. Time may have moved you on physically, but did you ever give yourself a chance to get past your past? Our hurts can form habits and hang-ups are difficult to break away from.
Furthermore, past difficulties can leave an imprint on our sense of worth and value. And since we never rise above what we believe about ourselves, the past dictates our present and determines our future. This year, begin to process your past and give yourself a new future. Get help. Speak with a friend, or see a qualified therapist. It’s not too late.
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Review Your Relationships
There’s an African Proverb that says; “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We’re designed for meaningful relationships, and our lives are weaker without them. Review your relationships and consider how to make time to invest in and enjoy the relationships that encourage and inspire you to go far.
Take note of the toxic relationships, too. The “friends” who put you down, the people who manipulate you and use you. It might be time to walk away.
RELATED: What’s Your Comfort Zone? Creating Healthy Boundaries
Listen to Your Body
A few years ago, I noticed that each time I visited a doctor with varied minor ailments, they mentioned two things: stress and weight gain. After 8 months, I realized I needed to listen to what my body was trying to say, including the need to take my doctor’s advice.
If your body could have a conversation with you, what would it say? Would it tell you how neglected it feels? That anxiety keeps it up at night, and leaves it exhausted in the morning. It might tell you it needs more water, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. Listen to your body, and show it some love. And maybe a medical appointment.
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Invest In Learning Something New
Learning is a catalyst for growth and opportunity – so make a plan to invest in learning new information or gaining new
