There’s something exciting about hanging up a new calendar on January 1st and throwing out the old one.
The new year offers the perfect time to prepare mentally and emotionally for the goals you have. To start off positive this year, consider focusing on the small but valuable things you want to add to your life. Don’t focus on your bad habits and failures.
Give yourself grace and make room for the good.
Some experts suggest slowly adding good habits rather than trying to break old habits cold turkey. This helps shift your focus from the negative.
Here are some of these small habits to consider adding, along with other uplifting ideas.
Burn It Down
As you begin the new year, look back to the old year. If there are things that were hard or disappointing, write them down on a piece of paper. Then burn the list. This is a powerful way to release regrets from the past.
Afterward, make a list of the positive things you hope for in the new year. You can add it to your vision board (talked about below).
Look for the Good
When you find yourself starting to complain about a situation, pause for a minute. Step back and ask yourself if you can find something good about it instead.
This may require creative thinking, but making yourself look for new perspectives on a situation is valuable. It helps you learn to reframe your thinking.
Let Go of Resentment
Hanging onto grudges and hurt feelings only allows negativity to remain in your life. You’ll waste time and mental energy reliving offenses that you could instead be putting toward creating positivity in your life.
Be Grateful
Intentionally listing a few things every day that you’re thankful for is so helpful. Gratitude can easily turn a discouraging day into an uplifting and brighter one.
Notice even the smallest of things and write them down. The more you do this, the more your heart will be filled with positivity.
Craft Your Vision
Set aside an afternoon or evening to reflect upon what you want the new year to look like. What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to enjoy?
Many people peruse old magazines and gather images to create a vision board. Adhere your personal images to a piece of tagboard. You can also curate digital vision boards on Pinterest or Instagram, of course.
Make New Connections
Find a way to create new connections. Join a community group, volunteer somewhere, participate in a professional group. Expanding your circle of friends and acquaintances brings positive energy.
Build Old Connections
We need enduring, long-lasting relationships. Take the time to reconnect with friends and family. Intentionally make room to connect with them by phone, over a meal, or in other ways. Everyone benefits!
Add Some Fun
The demands of work, family, and bills can easily suck a lot of the fun out of life without you even realizing it. So, find small ways to sneak in some fun.
Play a silly game with kids. Go to a funny movie or have a comedy marathon at home. Schedule time with the funniest person you know. Do something entirely new that will fill you with joy and laughter.
Give Back
Find a meaningful way to give back to your community. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can make it fit your time schedule and energy limit.
Many non-profits have one-time opportunities for volunteering. Help serve a meal. Provide supplies for back-to-school drives. Cook extras at dinner and bring some to an elderly neighbor or exhausted mom.
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This January, open yourself up to the possibility of new beginnings!
Are you excited about the new year or are you feeling overwhelmed by emotional or family problems? Whatever the case, we’ve worked with many individuals to help them create the positive, joy-filled lives they seek. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to find out more.
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