Happy New Year everyone! One of my goals for 2018 is to get back to writing, so I thought this would be a great time to begin again. Below are a few life hacks that have helped me and my clients start something new and create more of what we truly want in our personal and professional lives. Start with any one of these tips and see how it can positively impact your life right away!
1. Make Tiny Changes
We often get excited in the new year to make major life changes that we can't keep up because the goals are too big and hard to stick with. Studies show that it's not the size of the habit change but being consistent that support us in staying the course with our commitments.
So when choosing to make a positive change in your life, such as kicking caffeine or sugar, starting a new exercise or meditation routine, or any of the suggestions I recommend below, start with the smallest action step that you know you can easily do everyday for a 30 day period. Track it on your calendar and acknowledge your wins. This will start retraining your brain and help you succeed in achieving your goal.
2. Let Go
Begin by observing things in your life that don't support living a life that truly makes you happy and fulfilled. Are there things in your home that are taking up space that you can purge and create space for what you really want? Space for things that are more useful or bring you more joy and fulfillment? Or just more space for clearer thinking and creativity.
Also consider letting go of habits, responsibilities and even relationships that don't support you in creating greater peace and happiness. Be honest with this process, and free yourself from what may be limiting you to move forward.
3. Get a Buddy
Enlist a friend or co-worker who is also wants to reach new goals in 2018. Shre your goals with each other and decide on a good time to check in with each other each week (or everyday if that works for you). Iv'e done this with friends to help me establish a daily gratitude and meditation practice. We would text each other every day to let one another know we had done our action step. It was fun and very helpful.
Some of the women who've attended my Vision workshops in the new year reported back to me how much that helped them to stay committed to their goals. Click here to find out about the next workshop coming up in January.
4. Unplug and Connect
Most of us know that because of our attachment to technology we are much more distracted than ever before, and the science is proving this to be true. In June 2016, a study reported that the typical smartphone owner interacts with his or her phone an average of 85 times per day. (I'm even aware of how much I've looked at my phone while I'm writing this article.) More and more we see people walking down the street, head down, looking at their phones, or while they're at dinner with their friends or family.
Being so hyper connected to our devices, impacts how well we are connecting with ourselves and the people in our lives. So starting in the new year, make an intention to put down your phone for longer periods. This will help you focus, experience living more fully in the present moment, and feel more connected to yourself and others.
As I mentioned above, start small to give yourself the motivation to move forward and the ease of only committing to a tiny step. Once you build momentum you can add more changes and action steps to what you've already accomplished. Let me know how you're doing. I love to hear about your wins and what you're learning.
Wishing you a New Year filled with Joy, Vibrant Health and Success!