5 Key Ways to start the new year

What are your new year’s resolutions for 2016? I am one of those who will have my to-do list done at the start of the year, for every aspects of my life (i.e. Finance, Relationships & Family, Health, Career, Personal Development, etc). This year I decide that I should do it differently, instead of the usual to-do list, I am choosing 7 attitudes and mindset that I can bring to 2016. These are my 5 key ways to start the New Year on the right foot.

1. TAKE TIME TO REFLECT & REVIEW

Before you are well into the new year, I think it is important to take a step back and review what you have done in the year that just passed, and reflect on what really matters to you. Sometimes we are so focused on the minor details that we often forget about the bigger picture.
Take some time to consider if you should continue the path that you have been taking, and/or hold onto the same stand that you have been making over the years. What may work for you in the past, sometime “expires” in our evolving environment and/or as we enter into different stages of our life.
I recently met a wise old lady and she mentioned that the first half of her life is about learning and the second half of her life is about living. And in between is about letting go things in her life so that she can make the transition.

2. BE PRESENT

In a fast pace, ever-changing and demanding society, we are often too busy making plans for our future, going about our day to day activities, and fulling our responsibilities. With much on our plate and our constant focus given to preparing for the future, we may very well miss out on the moment. That’s how life ends up “passing us by”.
Being Present is the capacity to enjoy one’s current situation in the journey of life. It is being here now, aware of the moment you are having now. In the moments when you are present the ordinary world becomes more interesting and wonderful. Things that most often seem common, routine and boring become fascinating. You observe more of people in life that you meet every day, with curiosity. Being present leads to us to appreciate the world more.

3. BE CURIOUS AND TRY SOMETHING NEW

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
About 7 years ago, I felt like I was stuck in a rut, things was not going the way I want and I was kind of “lost”. Under the advice of a friend, I decide to try new things and keep at it for at least 3 weeks. I tried picking up a new skills (like painting & cooking), try new sports (like kite-surfing), start a new business venture, and explore coaching as an alternate career. Through trying these new things, I got to learn a lot about myself as an individual and I found coaching as a meaningful, enjoyable and exciting career path.
I believe every person have their own special gifts / talents and I’d really like to encourage you to start new year exploring different parts of your wonderful personalities. Draw, sing, dance, write, even check out a few arts and crafts tutorials and try to make something interesting on your own. Surprise yourself!

4. BE GRATEFUL

How often do you pause to appreciate what you have in life?

Sometimes it’s easy to feel bad because I am going through a tough time in life. However, as a coach I take time to pause and remember that no matter how bad my situation may seem, there are lots of things to be grateful for in life. There is always a silver lining.

Whether it is being thankful, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive, this mindset will help shift your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is around you. In my coaching experience, I observed that living in continuous awareness of being grateful makes people happier and more resilient, and it helps to reduce stress.

5. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

How often have you found yourself thinking or saying : “I wish I had more time for myself.”

We lead a hectic live. And the one thing we never seem to have time for is ourselves.
Often we don’t have time for ourselves to pursue our passions, do the things that we enjoy, relax or even do nothing at all. It is very common to become so involved in giving to others that we fail to give to ourselves. Some of us feel guilty that breaking away from our responsibilities to indulge in hobbies, reading or hanging out with the friends.

By taking some time to put aside your everyday business and treating yourself to an activity that you enjoy, it gives you an opportunity to relax, refocus and recharge.
After your “me” time, you can come back to your responsibilities with greater focus, and enjoyment. Life is similar to a re-chargeable battery, you need time to “re-charge yourself” in order to charge on to make a difference.
Find something you enjoy doing in order to release the stress of your daily routine. Whether it is taking a short run, sitting down to read a good book with a hot cup of tea or sleeping late on the weekends, the main idea is to relax from all the hustle and bustle of your busy life.

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What is your biggest challenge with your personal or professional life right now ?

Samuel worked with literally hundreds of working Executives with their careers and life goals, so he should be able to support you to unlock your potential and help you reach your meaningful, important objectives. Just drop Samuel an email at sam@beacon-search.com