Why wait until January to make changes in your life?
The New Year is right around the corner. This is the time of year when we traditionally look at our lives and make grand resolutions for change.
- Change life-long habits.
- Eat healthier.
- Lose weight.
- Get in shape.
- Make new friends.
- Change the world.
If you’re like me, most of those grand dreams get left by the wayside of our life paths far too quickly... and the abandoning of those resolutions often leads to guilt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy. This year, let’s try something new, and make some real change in our lives.
My first suggestion: let’s not make resolutions we know we can’t or won’t keep. Grandiose ideas, like losing a ton of weight or achieving financial freedom, may be best left for storybooks and fairy tales. Instead, think of a concise element of your life that’s been bugging you, and take some time to think through your frustration. Examples include increasing gratitude, improving confidence, or just even smiling more. Concepts like being a better partner or parent are larger than we want to address right now... and may be improved by the basic changes we make.
As part of my choice to improve gratitude, I write a few words in my gratitude journal every morning. I’ve found my entire day is better when I put a few of those items I’m thankful for and which make my life better down on paper at the beginning of my day. This daily practice required a concerted effort for the first week or two, and now has become one of my morning habits like brushing my teeth.
I find my day goes better when I write in my journal. This positive feedback helps me to continue writing— and want to continue writing!— which helps me continue writing, and my days get better...
Whatever you choose to improve or change, make it an integral part of your life. Gratitude can begin with something as simple as saying “thank you” more often and more regularly. Nothing as major or earthshaking as daily journaling. Just simple, basic changes. Don’t wait until January 1st to begin. Once you’ve identified the improvement, start right here and now.
Then be patient with yourself as you reshape your life.
