NOTHING like a New Year to motivate you to embrace life changes, set new goals and fervently set out to stick to them, usually from January 2 onwards. By week two, the diet will be deferred to February and by week three the exercise would have petered out to yet another pipe dream.
The pretty journal with the motivational quotes would have profound scribblings on one or two pages and left unfulfilled for the rest of the year. And what budget and savings – never heard of it.
But come 2021, we will persevere and prioritise the changes we would like to make in our lives. We will be plunging hands deep into the pool of reflections, making structural changes that can support the long-standing need to be fit, fabulously wealthy and fat-fag-booze and debt-free.
Focus and commitment
If long-term steady progress, which will bring no-turning-back change is the aim, it is best to start with a few small steps to build a structure. One of the best ways to improve is to stick to good habits you’ve incorporated into your life, like your health and exercise plan.
In your home and workspace become more organised, neat and tidy, not just as a means to please others but because you want to use every spare minute you have on building something useful in your life. Any mess from your cupboards to your laptop bag means that you’re going to waste time looking for stuff. Designate time for chores like tidying up or cleaning up your computer of useless junk.
Cleaning up will bring contentment – mess is stress, whether it’s mental, physical or spiritual because at its core is disrespect for others and yourself. When you have respect and consideration for others in your environment, draining negativity is diminished.
In support of change
As you change in your environment and you’re no longer the object of others’ resentment, time and energy will be freed up to work on how you want to live a larger life with greater confidence and without the usual fears and insecurities that hold you back from fulfilling your full potential,
From there, improving mental acumen is achievable through many channels such as clubs such as chess and Sudoku or apps loaded with mental exercises or meditation that will help sharpen your focus.
Being a better you
According to the Lifehacker site, whatever good habits you adopt will eventually help you to control crippling negative emotions, triggers or anger that lessen your ability to respond or react to provocation. If your reaction is bad, you are placed at a disadvantage and that is counter-productive when you are working hard to bring about change.
Simple things like good language usage, manners, punctuality, taking responsibility seriously, becoming more resilient, being polite and having boundaries about how far you are prepared to go and what you are prepared to allow into your space, all add to greater confidence. An impeccable, well-presented appearance and even just being neat are all effective conduits to change.
Community and connection
Practise kindness and go out to help others, meet new people and learn new skills by volunteering at a charity. Consider adopting a pet if you are able to give attention and care. The rewards are endless; care and companionship and shaping up while walking the dog out in the fresh air – all contribute to psychological well-being.
Take time to meet like-minded people with the same interests as you; try out kayaking or bowling or join a film society or book club. Spend more time with people you care about and who reciprocate the feeling.
Making things
Developing skills by having hobbies; doing DIY projects, learning to cook, learning a new language, reading more books or being creative with the arts also help to give your life purpose and meaning, as these activities engage all your faculties. The benefits of freeing up your mind through your weekend hobbies could spill over to your problem solving and designing at work. Perhaps one day that cherished hobby could become your career. Anything is possible once you begin planning and then implementing good habits that will bring balance, well-being and permanent change in your life.
Health
Always make a resolution to be the healthiest, best version of yourself. This doesn’t mean that you need to set unrealistic goals or expectations such as crash diets and cleanses, which are more fads than resolutions. Start by making a promise to perhaps drink more water or walk a few times a week to build calories and get fit.
Making your goals more achievable and realistic will help you keep them. But remember to consult a medical professional before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Need help with nutrition? Give The Medical Society a call and set up a consultation. The Medical Society is passionate about proper health and nutrition for both children and adults. The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable healthcare for adults.
Starting from R89 a month, members are covered for unlimited nurse-room visits, as well as dietary advice from professionals.
