A New Year is definitely a good time to take stock and reflect. Reflecting on significant or minor changes, you might like to make in your life can greatly impact your health, wealth, and happiness. Here are some of my suggestions, some of which I already do and others I am looking to develop this year.
Make the time
This is going to be a big one for me this year. I am going to stop over-extending and start making the time for the things that really matter. This might include work activities such as key functions over EVERY function. I also manage my work-life balance, making sure I’m not so exhausted by the end of the week that I fall into bed and sleep the weekend away. If you want a healthy, considered life, then make the time and set your boundaries and plan your workload so you can rest and work more effectively.
Give 100%
If you are going to choose your time more carefully, you need to ensure you make every second count in a meaningful way. They say it is easier to give 100% rather than cut corners and make up for it later. For me, the job-well-done feeling is worth every minute spent on achieving it. If you take a somewhat lacklustre approach, give 100% a shot, and I guarantee you’ll see and feel the difference.
Find your reason
If you are struggling with work, not sure you are enjoying your role or considering your longer-term aspirations, a new year is a great time to take stock and see how much change you can implement to get closer to fulfilment. We are not born to pay bills and die, and no golden handcuffs are locking you to your desk. I have changed my life several times, living abroad, travelling and completely changing career. When I leap, I can see more clearly, and I land on my feet with a better idea of what I should be doing. When did you last leap?
More with honey
I cannot understand how many people still take the “vinegar” approach to life. Demanding and manipulating to get what they want. I always use the “honey” approach. Being positive, amenable and polite. Perhaps this makes me soft in the eyes of some, but I prefer to work collaboratively with others and reach the desired outcomes. I am going to continue this approach in 2018 and encourage it in others too.
Really connect
We are all connected, aren’t we? We all have phones glued to our hands and can connect instantly. But is this real connection? Being available online 24/7 is a great way to live like a fast-food restaurant, but it’s not personal. For me, making authentic connections is key, whether that means getting to know colleagues or business partners in a meaningful way or taking time to connect with your inner self or nature. We are human, however much technology increases around us, and our true purpose is to feel and love and share. When did you last switch off and connect with someone or something without a timescale attached?
Just commit
If you want this year to be THE year, then DO IT. I see so often, people trying startups, new creative ventures, weight loss and whatever. But so frequently they don’t succeed, (myself included). Why? Because they don’t fully commit. Your inner critic can talk you out of pretty much anything. This is the year to turn off the critic, decide what you want to do and commit to getting it done. I have several goals this year that will be my 100% focus.
Take the risks
Life is short. The average life expectancy in the UK is roughly 82 years. Most people reading this will have already lived a significant proportion of their whole life. What are you waiting for? What is the worst that can happen? For me, the reward often outweighs the risk, and when I have made a change both personally and professionally, it has worked out. As long as you have a back-up plan, taking the riskier route might pay off. But you won’t know unless you try—something to think about.
Be real
Life isn’t always great; you can’t Always Be Closing. Sometimes your personal life sucks. But we have all been suckered into this faux social happiness bubble, and it extends across all social media platforms personally and professional. A lot is going on behind the scenes, and I think posting regularly, with real content is great, but try to keep a grip on reality. Social media fundamentally isn’t real; it’s just a virtual version of things that happen globally, so make the real count.
Lose the ego
I think people would think I have a big ego because I am quite confident. Even writing blog posts looks to confirm that I have an opinion, and I feel this is worthy of peoples time. However, I would say I am grounded and self-aware. I know I can talk too much and am a big personality, but I also know I am not the smartest person in the room, can listen to others and value their contribution whether I agree or not. I believe an out-of-hand ego is some of the most detrimental things in the workplace, closes people off and seeks to control instead of inspiring. How often do you reflect? How often can you say you are wrong? How often do you lift others instead of yourself?
Invest
Invest in something, whether yourself and looking after your own well-being more carefully or saving money. It could be time for reading or time for good friendships you sometimes take a little too much from. Put something into something tangible.
If you have any additional suggestions, I welcome comments. Happy New Year!