Starting Anew.
As the bells of the New Year are heard from the distance, we are reminded that a fresh, new start is within our reach. It is far too easy to carry with us the things that troubled us, the habits we’ve developed but regret, and even the excuses we’ve made for what would otherwise be productive.
So what are some ways we can progress into the new year with full intention and dedication towards a fresh, new start? Here are a few things I have done in the past or am currently doing as we speak. Some of them may work for you and some of them may not, but at this point you may as well try them, right?
- Take out a piece of paper and a pen. Now, with the next 5 minutes set aside- sans interruption- make a list of 9 things you accomplished last year. Whether big or small, this should put the last 365 days into perspective and having it on paper in front of you makes it easier to recognize your achievements.
- On the reverse side of the same paper, make a list of the 10 things you’d like to accomplish in 2010. Now, you are already setting 2010 as a year that will surpass that of 2009 in the realm of achievements. Unlike a new year’s resolutions list, this list doesn’t have to be about things you’d like to change, but things you’d like to DO. Be proactive.
- Take a road trip. As I do every holiday season, I get on a plane, in a car, in an RV or on a boat and venture out into the unknown. For me, this has a very therapeutic effect because when I return home after the 1st of the year, I see things from a fresh perspective. If you like spending New Year’s eve and day with friends and family at home, try spending the 1st of the year in a place you’re unfamiliar with.
Change something that you use on a daily basis, whether it’s switching your toothbrush holder from the left side of the sink to the right side or leaning out your entire refrigerator and freezer, making even a small change in your daily routine will break old patterns of thinking. For some this works great, for others, not so much. But again, it can’t hurt to try it!
Ring in the new year with the intention and dedication to start anew. Don’t bother making a list of resolutions, it will only make you feel overwhelmed by the changes you need to make in your life. Instead, acknowledge your successes and motivate yourself to step it up a notch!
Happy New Year!
|
About Mia: Mia Taylor is an undergrad who writes about her life, travels and studies on her personal blog. Mia also frequently uses Twitter, the microblogging network, to find new places to go and inspiration for her writing. Follow Mia Taylor on Twitter here. |
Leave a Reply
Subscribe to Lifescapeartists
Mia,
These are great ideas. I like the idea of changing small habits just to get into the swing of changing habits. It’s interesting that you mention going over everything you accomplished in 2009. I did a blog post on that and it enabled me to start thinking more clearly about my goals in 2010.
Great post Mia!! Your point about changing the little things and breaking routine is also a good way to promote creativity and stimulate right-brain activity.
Coincidentally I posted an article 2 days ago on Soul Hiker about making proactive changes rather than the usual resolutions which are always based on changing lifestyle habits.
Srinivas- I’ll have to read that article- sounds great!
Thanks for the feedback! I really have found that these “techniques”, if you will, help get me out of my daily routine. Sometimes I’ll change my home around just to make sure I’m not just “going through the motions” of life
Perfect to start just before the New Year!
what up Mia !
I really like the listing out accomplishments and goals idea on paper idea. Definitely gotta try that !