Three Simple Steps to Make 2021 Your Best Year Ever
It’s something we’ve all been waiting for — the end of 2020. A new beginning — 2021! But is it? Exactly what did you expect to be different on January 1, 2021?
In 2020 the world changed, and we had no choice but to change. It was thrust upon us and there were lifestyle changes that we had to make to adapt to the new world around us. But did we thrive throughout this process? Or did we just survive?
What are your expectations for 2021? Something better? We need something to look forward to. We need to believe that our lives will be more within our control. 2020 was a year that continually spiraled out of control. And it made us feel out of control.
So, let’s consider our personal expectations for gaining — or regaining some semblance of control in our lives.
Do you make resolutions at the beginning of every new year? Why?
I don’t think I’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution at which I’ve actually succeeded. So, when you think about it, I have set myself up for failure every time I’ve resolved to make life changes. Every resolution I’ve declared had to do with something I wanted to change about myself.
But change is evolutionary, not revolutionary. Let me say that again. Personal change is evolutionary, not revolutionary!
What does that mean in terms of our behavior? It all begins with our mindset. If we don’t change that, we have no chance of changing our actions. That doesn’t mean we have to do a 180, a complete turnaround of the way we’ve been thinking. But it does mean we need to be intentional with how we approach life and how we deal with circumstances and situations that make up our daily living.
First of all, let’s consider every day in 2021 as just another day, like any other day. Change your mindset to see every day as a new beginning. Every day is a chance to make life better for ourselves and those around us.
Next, if we think there are changes we need to make in our lives, start with just one thing. Make it a little thing. And do it every day. Make it become second nature to you — make it a habit. That is setting yourself up for success, not failure.
And finally, I propose that we start this new year being kinder to ourselves. Yes, be kind to yourself first. Because when you do, you are kinder to others. When you take care of yourself, you are in a position to take care of others. That is not being selfish. It is being considerate of others by treating yourself with kindness and respect, which in turn extends to others. It’s somewhat a twist of the Golden Rule of doing to others as you would have them do to you. Do good to yourself and then do good to others.
Need some ideas on how to implement this process?
If you need to start with simple changes to your mindset, I suggest my ecourse, Designing Your New Normal Mindset. It consists of easy activities to identify your current mindset and guide you to make mindset changes that work for you. Check it out here while still at introductory pricing!
If you need to keep up with progress on the one thing you are going to change about yourself, click and download my free gift to you, My One Thing Daily Habit Tracker. Keeping track of your progress helps ensure your success in developing habits that naturally become part of your daily life. (Your free tracker is interactive, so you can complete and save it online or print it out and complete it!)
If you think self-care is selfish, download my free report, Self-Care Hacks, and start treating yourself with the respect you deserve. That makes it second nature to extend the same kind of respect to others.
All my best to make 2021 a truly successful, joyful, and peaceful year for you!
I’m educator and blogger Vicki Peel, Ed.D. I support family members trying to live good-enough, intentional, and simpler lives by sharing life hacks in the areas of Home Style, Lifestyle, and Food. Start by claiming your FREE report, Self-Care Hacks at https://HERLifeHacks.com
Originally published at https://herlifehacks.com.
