How often have you heard people say that they wished the present year would hurry up and end so that they can make a fresh start in the forthcoming New Year?
They look forward to wiping away all the mistakes and failures of the outgoing year and to starting again, unburdened and with a clean slate.
Okay, there are the vicissitudes of life to contend with, the naturally occurring challenges of work, relationships, and health, as well as the unexpected things we can’t plan for.
The New Year can be as good a time as any to reflect on the old year, to assess what’s worked and what hasn’t worked, to decide what you enjoyed and, as such, clarify what enthuses and motivates you.
This makes now a good time to plan for the new year, to reflect on the steps that need to be taken to improve your quality of life and ensure a positive direction, with some real potential and opportunity for success in the months ahead.
What stepping stones could offer the key to an improved new year for you?
Networking is a word that puts some people on edge.
The thought of entering a room filled with strangers, all trying to sell to each other, seems like a miserable way to spend one’s time. But it’s easy to forget that we’re all networking constantly, as we meet new people at social events, at conferences, at work, in the gym, through introductions from other people; all times when we’re probably relaxed, unthinkingly smiling, saying ‘hello’, chatting and sharing news, discussing concerns and reinforcing relationships.
Keep up-to-date with the latest innovations in your world and also the trendy ‘stuff’, what’s happening generally in the world. Watch popular TV, not just the serious, ‘intelligent’ programmes. Easy, relaxed conversations about unimportant things help to build light, friendly relationships. But equally, join mailing lists of mainstream publications to ensure you’re better informed. Use different ways to improve as you tap into available support options, like online groups, training sessions, interacting with those who are keen to support you and share helpful information.
Events
Attend events, even if they don’t exactly suit where you’re at or what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for a better emotional or work-related outcome, a chance conversation can deliver unexpected benefits and opportunities into your life.
Socialise with others.
Not everything has to be work-related or have a purpose to it. Enjoy a coffee, an idle chat whenever the opportunity presents itself and practice your social skills. When we’re busy it’s all too easy to lose the ability to converse with others. Doing things to help keep in practice improves your relationships with friends, family, at home and at work.
Enjoy regular family time.
Family is often the reason why you work as hard as you do, so include regular fun time, meals together and conversations, so that you’re investing in your special relationships and reinforcing your support team. Be genuinely interested in people, not just ‘giving notes’ or discovering what they can do for you.
Learn new skills.
Energy and enthusiasm are the key to a happy, fulfilled life, and occasionally stepping outside your comfort zone helps to keep that edge, that ‘just enough’ level of stress to elevate your game, as well as add value to your life and your business.
Invite others to events.
Establish yourself as the ‘go to’ guy, who knows what’s going on, who shares details of events which may be of help or interest to others in your orbit, whether at home, work or in your social sphere. Knowing what’s going on gives you an edge and ensures you’re more likely to be included in whatever’s happening.
Be organised.
A diary is a great way to record and monitor what you need to do and ensure that you feel confident enough to not forget important things, even if you don’t manage to get everything done on the day.
Accountatbility
Some people find that being accountable helps keep them on track. Whether it be with a friend or professional coach, knowing there’s a requirement to regularly check in and be answerable can focus the mind and prevent distractions from rearing their head. Working with a friend can be a good plan, so long as they’re committed, don’t lose faith or give up after a while.
Good Self-Care
Decide that this year is also going to be about good self-care. Invest in quality sleep, healthy nutrition, positive ways to have regular, beneficial ‘me time’, including managing stress, all ways to ensure that this coming year works well for you.
Remember, if you’d booked an important client in your diary you’d be unlikely to cancel that date. You’d work around it and find alternative ways to respect and accommodate such an important arrangement. You deserve an equal level of consideration. When you look after you and feel good about yourself everyone benefits.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor & Hypnotherapist lifestyletherapy.net
