My Fresh Perspective on the New Year

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It’s a new year. Time for a new you! At least that is the message society bombards us with. 

The new year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, and to celebrate all the exciting and wonderful things yet to come. However, we it’s easy to forget this outlook when everywhere we turn there are ads and discussion promoting that this year can be the year to finally…

  • Get skinnier, be more organized.
  • Be wealthier or more successful.
  • Be better. Be more.

January starts off as a pressure-filled time where we tend to focus on what we need to do, to fix, and how we can be better. Buy this product, this service, adapt this revolutionary way of thinking, and you can be better with a more desirable life.

It’s overwhelming!

Self-improvement and growth are crucial. However, society’s messages scream “You are not good enough just the way you are.” Rather than appreciating ourselves and our lives, we are all encouraged to change.

A New Way of Thinking

This year, I challenge you to change your perspective. I did, and I noticed a huge difference.

The year 2018 was very successful for me. I didn’t have any monumental accomplishments and nothing truly changed. However, while looking back on my list of goals, I was happy to discover I had achieved my vision for the year.

What did I do differently?

In past years, I bought into the hype. I vowed to lose 10 pounds, save hundreds a month, clean and organize everyday, etc. When I wrote down my goals for the year 2018, I focused on one simple question:

“What brings me joy and fills my soul?”

Then I made those things a priority.

When I reflected on what I valued in my personal and professional life, I set my goals to align with those values. That made achieving these goals easier. My relationships with my family and friends matter to me, so I was intentional about carving out time for them. I am passionate about writing so I made sure to regularly set aside time to write.

No Pressure Here

When I wrote my goals, I chose to make them easily attainable.

I didn’t put a numerical value on anything as a barometer to judge my successes. Achieving a certain number can take away the concentration on your “why.” Plus, if you don’t reach that certain number, you might feel like a failure and stop trying.

Focus on the Positive and Leave the Guilt Behind

When I look back at last year, I choose to focus on the positive things I accomplished instead of feeling bad about what I didn’t.

Rather than lamenting the times I wasn’t patient or loving towards my family, I remember all the fun times we had together. Instead of feeling like I had failed because I didn’t save a certain amount per month for a long awaited family vacation, I am proud that I did save something.

In lieu of cursing the scale and my clothes because I didn’t hit a magic number, I am happier because I feel healthier, stronger, and more at peace with myself. This wasn’t because I tortured myself with extreme workouts and strict diets. It’s because I made it a priority to eat healthier and to exercise because it makes me feel better physically and mentally. 

Celebrate all of the small steps you make in achieving your vision for your life.

What Matters to You?

As you begin this amazing year, remember to take the time to reflect on these questions:

  • What are your values?
  • What brings you happiness?
  • When you look back on 2019, what are the big experiences, and the small moments that will mean something to you?

Then align your days to fulfill your core values and your vision. Don’t allow society to dictate what should be important to you.

Focus on living your best life, instead of changing you and your life.

If you do this, you will look back on this year and feel like it was one of your most successful years yet!

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Adrienne, Senior Writer
Adrienne is a Colorado native and would not want to live anywhere else! She spends her days juggling the many demands of three sons, and her school-age daughter. When she is not busy deciphering the perplexing young boy brain, or trying to please her diva daughter, you will most likely find her nose in a book, or writing. She loves encouraging her fellow parents in their journey. Recently she has begun a new career as a Real Estate Broker with Colorado Home Finder Realty and is definitely enjoying the roller coaster ride. She also loves finding great happy hour places with her husband, Shawn, and acting young and sometimes crazy with friends! She does not spend enough time outdoors (unless forced to) and comes up with any excuse to put off cleaning her chaotic house. She is very grateful for her completely imperfect life.