New year, new you: will this be your year of change?
Every new year is routinely filled with positive statements of how we will improve ourselves and accomplish more in the finite hours of our day. As sobriety settles in however, most of our good intentions fail to gain traction.
I am challenging you to make this year THE year you break free from this rut and choose to be a healthier, balanced, less stressed, more patient, better version of yourself, or whatever that looks like for you. (excuse the projections which come to mind for myself.)
Why now? January is a time of reflection, reset and green ambition. We chase those age old resolutions we set year after year and embrace our meatiest aspirations. Do we dare to dream big as well? Absolutely. Let’s try this on, “This year will be different!” It helps to say it out loud.
Here’s the rub. Can you maintain this level of positive momentum through the winter months of packing snow you failed to shovel? (I’m Canadian). Can you continue to nurture your progress, which has neglected to show itself, make tweaks and remain positive as you watch the landscape melt into grey skies, mud and slush? (Still in Canada here.) Can you remain firmly committed to your goals when they seem impossible now that the scent of spring rain cleanses your morning walk? (Is that better?) Stating the obvious, change is not easy. People are just not comfortable with it. We prefer the less vulnerable status quo.
In my career and life, I experienced missteps, disappointment, risk, change, growth and transformation. Writing my own rules to carve my place in the world of business while raising two children, gives me the confidence to share my lessons learned with you now. This will help you on your change journey:
Be ruthless with your time. What can you STOP doing to give yourself the energy to START doing the things that matter most to your values and wants?
Be wary. There will be naysayers who will try to thwart you, don’t let them dissuade you or deflate you. Align yourself with your people, those you most trust and respect; family, friends, co-workers who lift you up.
Reach out to your network and find those special individuals who are willing to teach, mentor and sponsor you. Listen to their guidance with an open heart and mind.
Be more self-aware. What are your strengths, behaviours, attributes, and, dare I say, flaws? (Tom Rath’s ‘StrengthsFinder’ is a great resource for discovering your strengths.) What is likely to get in your way as you pursue your passions and dreams? Make the necessary tweaks now and throughout your journey of discovery and change. Maximize your chances of success by not having ‘you’ be the biggest boulder blocking your progression.
Be kind to yourself when you misstep. Lofty goals are rarely achieved in a straight line. Even the smallest of baby steps where change is involved, can feel challenging. Give yourself a ‘high five’ for giving your best college try.
Be open to new opportunities that present themselves to you. They may just lead you to the path you were meant to take all along. Whether it’s baby steps or giant leaps for womenkind, take risks. The lessons you learn are integral (positive) steps forward that give you strength of purpose.
As the weeks and months of this year draw to a close, be honest with yourself on your efforts. Reflect upon what you have learned, what may need a reset, and how best to continue on your growth journey personally or professionally. I hope you are proud of the progress you have made, it is all meaningful. Don’t understate your accomplishments or attribute your success to your ‘team’. (Just sayin’.) When you persevere, dividends will follow. I promise.
Once you have kicked change to the curb, push ‘repeat’. Like the dawn of each new year, life brings new challenges, new setbacks and new opportunities to grow and develop. Become the person you wish to become by dealing with these head on. In the game of life, be the most valuable player on your team.