Are you one of those people who really enjoy getting something new? Maybe a pair of shoes, a shirt, a blouse, a phone, or even a car. Yes, there’s something about getting new things that can make us feel special at times. And while getting things can be nice, there is something that can allow us to experience intrinsic value that we can’t get from materials things.
I am talking about getting a new start. A new start in life. While it’s possible for this to happen at almost any time, it is usually at the beginning of a new year when this desire can be more heightened. “Out with the old, and in the new,” are thoughts that occupy the minds of many. Unfortunately, all that desire for newness can fizzle out in a few weeks if our hope for change is not consistently nurtured. With that in mind let’s consider some tips for making a new start and nurturing positive change that will allow you to experience more zest out of life.
Think about your values
Spend some time reexamining what’s really important to you. Oftentimes in the day-to-day grind we can lose focus on what matters most. This is why it can be helpful to have periodic times to revisit your values. This exercise can lead you to ask yourself why those values are important to you. This can help to create sustainable motivation for change instead of just fleeting wishes.
Decide that you will have a new start
This may seem like an obvious step but think about how many behavioral changes people can make without actually truly making a decision. For example, someone wants to stop smoking. So they say the words, “that’s it, I’m quitting.” They avoid smoking perhaps a day, or two, maybe three, but before long they may be back smoking again. What was missing? Making a firm decision. When you decide to do (or not to do) something, you are using your power of choice. You resolve, or settle in your mind, the change you want and go about to find a solution.
Prioritize your health
Someone once said that health is wealth. A lot can be achieved, including making a new start in life, if you have good health. Good health gives you the ability to enjoy the many blessings of life and to create experiences that help make life rewarding. Without health you may lack energy and motivation to move forward. No doubt you discovered this if you suffer from ill health. It can be helpful to get regular checkups from your health professional, and to create a plan to improve your health.
Take small, consistent steps
Knowing the “big picture” of the change(s) you’d like to make is essential to have in view. However, large or numerous changes can sometimes appear daunting and discouraging, leading you to halt in your progress, or worse yet, retreat. It may be helpful to look at the whole process of having a new start as a journey. You have a target in mind, and you’re on your way from where you are now to where you have pictured as a more fulfilling destination. In order to get there you need to move in that direction. Someone once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So step out, and keep stepping forward — one step at a time.
Simplify your life
We humans can at times complicate the simplest things. Yes, there is a time for being profound and deep, but most everyday matters may serve us well to be simplified. Let’s face it, often times when things are not simple it can be stressful and, over time, taxing. Look at your life to see what areas you could simplify, such as your lifestyle, relationships, finances, and even your home.
Keep learning
Studies show that people who are the happiest as well as the most successful and fulfilled in life are in a continuous learning mode. This is also important to maintain stronger cognitive function as you age. Continuous learners not only enhance their own lives but can be a greater encouragement and support for others.
Anticipate challenges to change
Remember you’re on a journey. As a path you walk on may have obstacles such as steep hills, rocks, creeks — so the path of change may have obstacles. You may have challenges with poor time management, a junk food-laden refrigerator, procrastination tendencies, the “big” games, lack of energy or something else. It is important to know what your obstacles are so that you will know how to respond when you encounter them and not be knocked off course. We can’t always know all obstacles, but perhaps many of them might be planned for ahead of time.
Power for change
Following these tips can help to enhance your life and allow you to experience more zest out of life. The greatest and most beneficial change, however, happens by having power for change. This can energize, motivate and give you a sense of clarity. It is when you have a vital connection with our Creator that you may have power for a new start — whether it be at the beginning of a new year, month, week or day. If it is a new start you are wanting, why not begin by asking God right now to help you to make the changes you desire.
Photo by: Tima Miroshnichenko