Opinion
Mental Kind of Health: New Year, New You … how about we do something different this year?
Shikha Gupta
This article is more than 1 year old.
The promise of the New Year brings beautiful new hopes, opportunities and ambitions. These show themselves in the form of your New Year’s Resolutions.
You probably love making them. While you are envisioning how you want your year to turn out, you feel amazing because you can visualise it happening and how you will feel when you get there.
See, you are already so close, just by focusing on your intention, putting it down on paper (or typing it) and visualising yourself achieving it.
You’re halfway to manifesting your desires!
Running out of steam
So why doesn’t this feeling last? And why do your actions towards your New Year’s goals seem to fizzle out?
Well, let me fill you in on a little secret about how you can actually make your resolutions last and end up achieving what you want, what you really really want (see what I did there).
Every year our motto seems to be: New Year, New You! I want to let you in on something that is more effective. Let’s talk about New Year, Improved You!
Too much pressure
We tend to believe that we should write down our New Year’s Resolutions every year because the previous year’s did not work.
By doing this you indirectly conclude that the previous year’s goals were unattainable, and you may even feel like you failed.
Wow, what a pressure to put on yourself. You start over – determined to make it this year – do it all over again and end up in the same circle.
But the reality is that you are constantly improving and evolving – there is no need to put pressure on yourself to completely change who you are just because a new year has begun.
Redraw the map!
What if life is a process and each year you are getting better at living it? You are not starting from scratch and you are not starting over. You are living an ongoing process.
Instead of deciding something is a failure, or even worse that you are a failure (because let me assure you, you are not), take a look at how you can tweak your previous resolutions, so they’re closer to your goal.
New Year Tweaks, Improved You! I know, not the best catchphrase, but this motto will change your life for the better. You’ll spend every single day living life to the fullest and be confident that you are constantly working towards your goals – all without setting a deadline every year. This way your life becomes a full experience.
Living Life to the Fullest (Because you can!)
Follow your passions and interests: engage in activities that you are truly passionate about, whether it’s a hobby or career. This will bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
Take risks and try new things: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new experiences. This can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people: spend time with people who uplift and inspire you, rather than those who bring you down.
Practise gratitude and mindfulness: take time to appreciate the present moment and all the good things in your life. This can help you find contentment and happiness.
Take care of your physical and mental health: prioritise exercise, proper nutrition and self-care.
Seek help if you need it, whether it be through therapy or other support systems.
Practise forgiveness and let go of grudges: holding onto negative emotions can weigh you down and prevent you from living fully. Adopting this practice will help you find inner peace.
Live in the present moment: don’t get too caught up in the past or worry about the future. Focus on the present and make the most of every day.
Overall, practising the above can help you feel more positive, motivated and fulfilled as you continue to work towards your goals in 2023 and beyond. Remember, progress is a journey, not just a destination.
About
Shikha Gupta
Shikha Gupta is a mindset coach with a holistic approach to life. Her own stress survival story and being a bestseller author has taught her the importance of stress release and mindful living to balance your body, mind and soul. She works with clients globally through her signature online courses and 1:1 coaching programs. Find out more @theshikhaway