Make life happen: Closing 2012 powerfully
Start fresh with a positive and empowering attitude.
Start fresh with a positive and empowering attitude. CREATIVE COMMON
LONDON:
I wonder what you’re doing on the last Sunday of 2012. I imagine that the winter party season is keeping you busy, and plans for New Year’s Eve are well underway.
The shaadi season keeps us so busy that we don’t claim a chance to sit down to plan the year ahead. We welcome the New Year in style, but we don’t focus on the days to come. A New Year’s resolution is made because that’s the thing to do, but it has been forgotten by the time February comes around.
Imagine starting the New Year with a clear plan and focused energies. What would that be like? How would your year be different than the one just gone? Focusing our energies has a lot to do with results; you get what you put in. The first step however, is to close the current year feeling positive and empowered. Here are some tips to help you get started
Take stock of your achievements
Do you judge your year as a whole? We often put all 12 months in one pot and call the year a good or bad one. So, if you had a “tough” year, then a judgement like this is likely to sap your energy before a new year has even begun. Who wants to try harder when they feel down and spent right? Avoid this pitfall by creating a more accurate picture of events. Sit down with a pen and paper, and ask yourself: “What did I do well this year? What went well?” Write down what you notice; and explore various areas of your life. Next, ask yourself: “What could have turned out better? What could I have done differently?” Make a note of what comes to mind. This exercise will bring perspective to the year, and allow you to plan for the year ahead.
Stop the blame game
It is plausible that everything didn’t go your way during the year. You may feel that other people have held you back. If you’re blaming yourself or others, remember that it will stop you moving forward. Now is the time to ditch the negativity so you can begin 2013 on a fresh note. Forgive others/yourself, as a grace you are giving yourself. If what you wanted is still important, then create a new and revised plan to follow in the days to come.
De-clutter
Do you have more stuff than you need? Look in your closet, your store-room, and around the house. Do you see things that you haven’t used all year? Is there anyone else who could benefit from them? A cluttered environment affects our ability to think, and to achieve. Start with one room at a time, and give your environment a good cleanout. You will be tempted to hang onto things in case you might need them — but if you haven’t needed it for over a year, its likely that you won’t need it in the future. It will feel so good, that you’ll be glad you did it!
Make a plan, not a resolution
What’s your New Year resolution? Making a New Year resolution is common practice even though it doesn’t really work. When you “resolve” to do something, it implies that there will be a struggle and you will require all your willpower to do it. How often have you achieved your resolutions? It’s tiring to even think about something that we feel we have to do. Avoid this trap. Instead, think about what you really, really want and set yourself one or two inspiring goals. If they are big, then make sure to carve them into smaller, more achievable goals. Next, make sure to give yourself some target dates. This will help you plan for a remarkable and worthwhile 2013!
These tips will help you set the tone for the New Year. My very best wishes for a wonderful 2013 ahead.
Sayeda Habib is a life coach who empowers her clients to create a fulfilling, happier life. To find out more on coaching, or to work with Sayeda, log on to www.makelifehappen.com or email sayeda@makelifehappen.com
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2012.
Like Life & Style on Facebook for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.
I wonder what you’re doing on the last Sunday of 2012. I imagine that the winter party season is keeping you busy, and plans for New Year’s Eve are well underway.
The shaadi season keeps us so busy that we don’t claim a chance to sit down to plan the year ahead. We welcome the New Year in style, but we don’t focus on the days to come. A New Year’s resolution is made because that’s the thing to do, but it has been forgotten by the time February comes around.
Imagine starting the New Year with a clear plan and focused energies. What would that be like? How would your year be different than the one just gone? Focusing our energies has a lot to do with results; you get what you put in. The first step however, is to close the current year feeling positive and empowered. Here are some tips to help you get started
Take stock of your achievements
Do you judge your year as a whole? We often put all 12 months in one pot and call the year a good or bad one. So, if you had a “tough” year, then a judgement like this is likely to sap your energy before a new year has even begun. Who wants to try harder when they feel down and spent right? Avoid this pitfall by creating a more accurate picture of events. Sit down with a pen and paper, and ask yourself: “What did I do well this year? What went well?” Write down what you notice; and explore various areas of your life. Next, ask yourself: “What could have turned out better? What could I have done differently?” Make a note of what comes to mind. This exercise will bring perspective to the year, and allow you to plan for the year ahead.
Stop the blame game
It is plausible that everything didn’t go your way during the year. You may feel that other people have held you back. If you’re blaming yourself or others, remember that it will stop you moving forward. Now is the time to ditch the negativity so you can begin 2013 on a fresh note. Forgive others/yourself, as a grace you are giving yourself. If what you wanted is still important, then create a new and revised plan to follow in the days to come.
De-clutter
Do you have more stuff than you need? Look in your closet, your store-room, and around the house. Do you see things that you haven’t used all year? Is there anyone else who could benefit from them? A cluttered environment affects our ability to think, and to achieve. Start with one room at a time, and give your environment a good cleanout. You will be tempted to hang onto things in case you might need them — but if you haven’t needed it for over a year, its likely that you won’t need it in the future. It will feel so good, that you’ll be glad you did it!
Make a plan, not a resolution
What’s your New Year resolution? Making a New Year resolution is common practice even though it doesn’t really work. When you “resolve” to do something, it implies that there will be a struggle and you will require all your willpower to do it. How often have you achieved your resolutions? It’s tiring to even think about something that we feel we have to do. Avoid this trap. Instead, think about what you really, really want and set yourself one or two inspiring goals. If they are big, then make sure to carve them into smaller, more achievable goals. Next, make sure to give yourself some target dates. This will help you plan for a remarkable and worthwhile 2013!
These tips will help you set the tone for the New Year. My very best wishes for a wonderful 2013 ahead.
Sayeda Habib is a life coach who empowers her clients to create a fulfilling, happier life. To find out more on coaching, or to work with Sayeda, log on to www.makelifehappen.com or email sayeda@makelifehappen.com
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2012.
Like Life & Style on Facebook for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.