02 Jan 3 High5 Strategies to Jump Start your New Year
OK! It’s 2018 – what now?? The holidays are a blur. New Year celebrations are done. What now? What will set 2018 apart from every other year? Follow these three High5 strategies so on December 31, 2018 you will be looking back and giving yourself a High5 for an amazing year!
1. Write the story that you want to read!
“What you focus on expands.”
Close your eyes, and imagine it’s December 31, 2018. You are telling your best friend the amazing story of your year. Now, open your eyes and take some time to either write down your story or voice record it. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, or anything else. Just let it flow and add LOTS of details. Fill it with emotions, people, successes and love. Make it everything you could ever desire and more. This is just for you. After you’ve completed that step, set a reminder on your calendar for the first of each month to read it or listen to it again. You will be amazed at how much of it will have happened (plus a lot more) by the end of the year. If you don’t dream it, there is no way to see it!
2. Calendar the important things starting with ME time!
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” ~Eleanor Brownn
For us to be of use to others we must take care of ourselves, and so often, that is the first thing that gets pushed to the side. You put the important events in your life on your calendar so you remember them. Before you schedule anything else this year, put YOU on the calendar. Whatever fills you up, schedule time to do that. Whether it’s learning a new language, getting a massage, coffee with your friends, or going to yoga, put it on the calendar and make you a priority. If you aren’t willing to make yourself a priority, why would you expect anyone else to?
Once you’ve put your ME time on the calendar, make it a recurring appointment. Then it will be there all year long. Only adjust it if needed. NEVER cancel an appointment with yourself! Calendaring is also useful to limit activities that may not have as much value, so that you find time for things that add more value to your life. Perhaps you could calendar your TV time, or social media time, and stick to that schedule. You will soon learn it’s a great way to find the extra time for you!
3. Set a reminder on your phone to practice gratitude!
“Gratitude, it’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore!”
According to Forbes Magazine, there are many benefits from practicing gratitude, including better health, enhanced empathy, improved relationships, better sleep and improved self-esteem. You can learn more about these benefits in the article “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round”. Likely, you know it’s a good thing to do, however, are you doing it consistently? What benefits could you receive in 2018 with a daily gratitude practice?
Let’s keep it easy. Start by setting a daily reminder on your phone. When the alarm goes off, take a moment to think about 1-3 things that you are grateful for and WHY! The why part adds the feeling behind the gratitude and raises your vibration. Gratitude is the quickest way to JOY!
HINT: To set the reminder, ask Siri (or Google) to set a reminder at (time) every day to practice gratitude. Siri is smart like that!
Once you do these three things, your year will begin with massive positive energy! Take every opportunity along the way to celebrate all your wins by giving yourself a High5.