As you start the year, take a pause and decide how you want this year to be. What do you want to achieve? What dreams do you want to make a reality? What things do you want to let go? The first day of the year is the perfect time to make that decision.
You may say, this year I want to be happier. I want to be more spiritual. I want to be successful.
You may have different goals. However, these may be too abstract. What I suggest you do, is to be more specific and be clear on what these goals mean to you.
- What would make you happier? What can you start doing NOW to make it happen?
- How can you be more spiritual? What can you start doing NOW to make it happen?
- What does success mean to you? What can you start doing NOW to make it happen?
These are just simple examples. However, they make a difference. Furthermore, instead of saying this year I will try to be more spiritual, start doing something towards being more spiritual today. There is no room for trying, as it gives the possibility of not happening. Start with taking the first step to make that unique goal a reality. It will make a difference in how you feel. It will make a difference on how the year evolves, and eventually how 2018 ends. You will be able to look back and say to yourself: This year I made it happen. Instead of saying, another year went by, and I wish I would have…
It is not about focusing on regrets. On the contrary, it is to learn from things that happened or didn’t happen in the year 2017. 2018 is the year you commit to making it happen. You may want to review how you ended 2017 following the suggestion I shared on this blog.
At times we move automatically in our lives by not paying attention. The end of the year came, and you may have said (I said it!) Wow! This year went by so fast! Well, it may feel it goes fast. However, we can also make it meaningful, make it special to us; make it special to our loved ones; to our community; to the world. Keep in mind that any small action we take can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
Now, I want to give you this suggestion to start putting all these plans into action.
Take a piece of paper and make two lists.
On the first list, write down all the things you DO NOT want to happen this year. You may want to let go of things that are not contributing to your wellbeing. You may want to start saying no to things that are not adding to your productivity; to your meaning; to your spirituality; to your happiness.
Then, make a list of the things you want to happen this year. State them in the positive and in the present tense:
- This year I want….
- This year I want…
- This year I want….
Evaluate these important goals, and start today taking the first step. Today is the first day of the year, and if you take action, it will give you a great sense of accomplishment; it will give you a sense of hope; it will give you a sense of empowerment; It will give you a sense of control.
Make 2018 a meaningful and special year.
Ligia M. Houben
