 One of my favorite spots to go to think and watch the sunset. Folsom Lake, CA Welcome to a brand new year! What a year 2020 was. Here at VHC, we have been doing a lot of reflecting, preparing, and fine-tuning our mindset for the year ahead. As Charles Swindoll says, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes.” In addition to the words of Swindoll, this quote from T.S. Eliot has inspired me to consider the power of my words. For last year's words belong to last year's langauge, and next year's words await another voice. –T.S. Eliot  How are you preparing for the year ahead? In essence, I think what they are both saying is that we all have the power to decide how we show up in our own lives. As I ponder the words of Eliot and Swindoll, I am inspired by their wisdom. I am reminded that the past is the past. We don’t have to live there anymore. And whatever life circumstances happen, we are in charge of our attitude. We each have the power to take 2021 by the horns no matter what comes our way. We each get to choose how we respond and how we show up, each and every day. My words of the yearThe start of a new year often causes reflection in the mind of many. I know for me it has, as I find myself focusing on choosing a word for the year, thinking about how I will respond to what life throws my way. Thinking about the year ahead and the things I am ready to leave behind in 2020, I realized I had a couple of words floating around in my head—energy and freedom. These are the two words that I am choosing to focus on this year. They are part of my new year's language.
Now these words in and of themselves aren’t that powerful. What’s powerful is what I choose to do with them, what meaning I attach to them. They may be simple and to the point, but they will guide my vision of what I want for this year. My vision is a foundation upon which I can build goals, steps, and habits.  Meditation gardens by the ocean in Encinitas, California Let’s dig into the word “Energy”I found myself complaining about being tired a lot, needing more energy. I could carry on complaining this year, too, but if I don’t explore things that will bring me more energy, then what good is the idea behind the word? As coaches, we often brainstorm with our clients to come up with some “experiments” that may help bring them closer to the established goal. Here goes my brainstorm for ways to cultivate more energy:
Now those are all great ideas… right?! But that’s just what they are—great ideas. Without a plan to start implementing them, I am not going to get anywhere. Before I know it, October rolls around, and I will still be complaining “I need more energy."  It's important to fuel your body. HOw smart goals help you achieve success.For a shot at success it’s important to create these experiments using the SMART goal framework. I decided that in order to improve my energy I wanted to start by establishing a meditation practice. I knew that I couldn’t just say “I am going to meditate this week.” There is no direction in that sentence. No guidance. No accountability. Nothing concrete for me to measure success. Here is the SMART goal that I created for my meditation experiment: This week I will meditate first thing in the morning when I wake up for 15 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to work on creating more energy in my life. Now this is just an example of how a simple quote inspired me to look at how I am stepping into the new year. I was tired of saying I have no energy. I am so tired. ETC. So I decided that it was up to me to change my voice. And take action with baby steps each week. Remember: it's best to start small.I share this little blip of my life to encourage you to start small as you embark on your own journey towards better health. As you move into the new year what voice will you choose? What words will you allow to guide your life? Maybe you have:
Whatever your goals, you have the power to choose how you will make it happen.  Green Chef meals to help simplify eating healthy. You might be wondering, What now?Well, sometimes it’s easy to make steps towards becoming a better version of ourselves all by ourselves. Other times, we need the support of others… sometimes even a professional! This is where a board-certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC) comes in. NBC-HWC’s are highly skilled in helping others facilitate change and establish new, sustainable behaviors. Which describes how you feel about your goals? > I am ready to make changes on my own now! If this is you ask yourself these questions:
> I am ready to make changes, BUT I want support! If this you, here are your next steps:
 Where do you connect with your innermost thoughts?
4 Comments
Starting small is great advice. It can be overwhelming to greet the new year with the pressure to completely overhaul your life. There's a lot of stress in trying to be a better version of yourself. Allowing yourself space to go slowly and experiment with change, trying new habits for a week or two to see how you feel is a more sustainable approach. 1/9/2021 08:40:59 pm
Wise words, Thérèse! There does seem to be an unnecessary amount of pressure to completely change your life at the beginning of the new year. I find I do better with small changes a little at time! 2/10/2021 08:37:57 pm
Thank you so much for reading, Presley! I hope you were able to take away something that you can apply into your life. Leave a Reply. |
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