As the new year gets underway, have you thought about a new way of thinking and acting?
We all know the saying: Jan. 1 is the first blank page of a 365-page book. What will you write and how will it differ from last year? To prevent carrying over a negative attitude into 2015, consider taking these steps:
Adjust your attitude. Transforming your thoughts can shift your perspective and bring you inner peace. Try focusing on gratitude and forgiveness each day to enjoy life more. A positive mindset may not immediately change your circumstances, but it may eventually change your life,
Set up a gratitude jar. Place it in a visible spot so you are not tempted to ignore it like most of last year’s resolutions. Fill it with notes about anything you are thankful for during the year. Share it with loved ones. On New Year’s Eve, read your memorable moments aloud.
Create a vision board. Choose words and images that inspire you. When we are inspired we are more likely to take action. Your board should reflect the kind of life you want, which can include career as well as vacations and a dream home.
Keep a “done” journal. It is fine to focus on what you plan to do, but keeping a separate accounting of time actually spent on working toward your goals may help you use your time better. If writing a novel is one of your top priorities, note the number of pages or words you write each day.
A new year is the opportunity to be better than you were the year before.
Maybe Ghandi said it best: “Our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as being able to remake ourselves.”
Let us know how you are doing!
Robin Farmer is a freelance writer with a focus on engaging, educating and empowering readers. Visit her at www.RobinFarmerWrites.com
Nothing can lift or plummet our outlook on life like our almighty attitude. So in this first week of 2014, take stock of yours. Is it healthy and robust? Or negative and contaminating?
Do you find yourself already lapsing into the woe-is-me thinking of 2013? Is the thrill that accompanies the headiness of a new year already nosediving into a familiar bleakness?
Caution ahead
DANGER! DO NOT ENTER! Back away immediately from the well-traveled mental roads leading nowhere.
A new year is the perfect time to challenge yourself to think and act differently to get different results. Now is the time to turn those resolutions into reality. The journey toward achieving your goals begins with the most powerful engine you own: your mind.
Throughout this year, there will be times when you sputter, race, crash, cruise or run out of gas. Whatever happens, your attitude can either help or hinder your journey.
The good news is we are just a few days into 2014 and you have more than 355 left to pump up your positive thinking. A fresh, energetic and optimistic attitude can improve health, relationships and job performance and help you navigate life’s unexpected curves.
Attitude adjustment tools
So how do you stay chipper when the challenges of life seem to work overtime to dull your shine?
Here are some action steps:
Fill up on gratitude. Start your day by saying aloud three things you are grateful for. Better yet, tell someone. Or make it a family practice.
Reflect and write. You may want to start a gratitude journal and regularly list what you appreciate. Read it on New Year’s Eve.
Grow from setbacks. Instead of throwing a pity party where you are the guest of honor, explore how you can improve your skills.
Seek out upbeat people. Surround yourself with positive thinkers. Emulate them.
Judge less. People are flawed. Avoid making their shortcomings your concern.
Help others. Sometimes the only way to lift your spirit is to lift others.
Laugh at yourself. Chances are, people are doing so anyway. Join them by showing you don’t take yourself so seriously.
Share your approaches if you already have a winning attitude. We’d love to hear them.
Robin Farmer is an award-winning writer with a focus on health, education and business. Visit her at www.RobinFarmerWrites.com
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