We humans are creatures of habit. While most of us set New Year’s resolutions, studies reveal that fewer than 10 percent of us manage to stick to them for more than a few months. A big reason is that we see changes as enormous obstacles rather than the result of small, daily decisions. Check out our blog post on how to focus on commitments instead of resolutions this new year.
There is power of in choosing positive habits. They will help you succeed and grown exponentially – both internally as well as externally.
Here are some easy yet powerful positive habits to adopt in the new year.
#1 Rethink your priorities
As you make your to-do lists and write down goals and commitments, take a moment to look at everything you are planning and then take a reality check on what all you can really get done and what all you would like to get done. Sometimes they can be vastly different. It is easier to say no once you see everything you have said yes to. As you narrow your list to priorities you can actually manage, make sure that having fun is one of your top actives. Make a deal with yourself that no matter what you are doing, if you are not having fun, it is not important enough to do.
#2 Learn to let go
When we are aiming for perfection, everything seems to have equal weightage. And this can lead to exhaustion – both physical and mental. Instead, ask yourself what can you let go, and actually let that go. We know this isn’t easy. When you turn down projects and opportunities, someone is going to get unhappy. But think about it in a way that when you say no and let go, you are saying yes to things that really matter. Another option is to gradually test and strengthen your tolerance for disappointing others. Otherwise you risk burnout.
#3 Replace judgement with compassion
Often stress in life comes from concern about what other people think or expect of us. When we are afraid of being judged, it is usually because we are harsh judges of others and ourselves. One way to change your perspective is to think of yourself as someone else. Treat yourself with the same kind of nonjudgemental kindness as you would to your good friend.
#4 Ask for help
Whether or not your friends and family share your feelings about how you want to live your life, there is no shame in asking for help if you really need it. As much as society and culture promotes standing on your own two feet, sometimes it is hard. Sometimes we stumble and fall and sometimes we just need a friendly ear to listen without judgement. Ask for help. Get help. Sometimes the simple act of asking for help is enough to bring us out from the depth of despair and hopelessness.
#5 Take cues from nature
Nature really is a wonderful teacher. Just like the way natural adapt to the different seasons, we too must learn to adapt to the different seasons in our life. Taking cues from nature and adjusting our lives helps us find balance. Check out this blogpost on seasonal adaptations on how to respond to nature’s quarterly changes to create a symbiotic relationship where nature, the outdoors and us humans are continuously influencing each other.
Apply one or all of these positive habits to make this new year your best year yet!
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