10 WAYS TO REFRESH & REINVENT FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

January 9, 2022

10 WAYS  TO REFRESH & REINVENT FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

Notes by Julie Furlong

As we approach a new year, and another chapter after such a challenging stretch, what better time to let go of the past and drag our thoughts and minds to a healthier place for a 2022 refreshment with new starting points. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I will be forever changed as a result of the last 2 years. I have spent the last 6 months in refreshment mode, getting ready for 2022, which has kept me energised, focused and interested. I created a new and fresh work space for my team, I worked hard exercising to keep in shape (physically and mentally), I fought battles for fairness, I refreshed my blog, my wardrobe and even some spaces around my home. Along with this, my son also graduated high school this week, which reminded me that we all should (and need) to make a fresh start and adjustments, as we make our way through different stages in life and work.

A fresh start is the best strategy to change for the better. Over time, our purpose and priorities change for one reason or another and we need to make our lives new again to keep it interesting. Refreshing ourselves and our surroundings allows us to keep what matters most and turn over what we’re ready to let go of – making room for the new in our world, which of course comes along with a new perspective. (Read: Reflect, Refresh, React, and Reset – The Next Chapter)

With the new year soon to arrive, it’s always a good time to professionally and personally reflect on situations, to consider what we would like to change about ourselves and our surroundings after spending time in our homes for far too long. Think about what you learnt during 2021 and how you want things to evolve. And because of the adversity, most of us went through, choosing to grow and making relevant changes in the new year is even more appealing than ever.

HERE ARE 10 WAYS YOU CAN REVIEW AND REVITALISE FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS AND BEYOND, TO HELP YOU LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE:

  1. Continuously see yourself as a work in progress.
    We should be forever changing and willing to embrace change to stay relevant as we move forward in life.
  2. Write a mission statement for yourself.
    This will sum up who you are and what you stand for; it brings focus and purpose and provides a path.
  3. Self-reflect.
    Be realistic and honest with yourself. Both are necessary to help give some clarity on how you want to move forward.
  4. Ask yourself the tough questions.
    Things won’t be solved immediately, set the goal to be more patient to slowly make things happen for you.
  5. Adjust habits.
    Remove ones that are no longer good for you, acknowledge the habit and take the steps you need to adjust them. Change is not something you do some days and then take a break from other days. Change is a shift in lifestyle. It requires daily dedication, to the point where that new habit takes the place of an old one and no longer requires a conscious effort. (Read: 9 Simple tips that lead to positive thinking)
  6. Spend time with honest people, who tell you the truth.
    If everyone around you is saying yes, you have a problem. You need people who will challenge and question you. You need people who won’t be afraid to tell you the truth, are tough on you and provide constructive feedback that will help you with growth.
  7. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone.
    You will never become the person you want to be by continuing to be the person you currently are. You will need to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone for any progress to take place.
  8. Broaden your perspective.
    Try new things, foods and experiences. Meet new people, learn about others and embrace the world around you.
  9. Be approachable.
    Open yourself up to new opportunities by being approachable and talking to everyone to help lift the mood of others.
  10. Check-in with yourself.
    Like everything else, we too need time to check-in with ourselves. Remember to do this on a regular basis to remind yourself of where you are going and what you need to change for the better.

A fresh start is a process, not a quick fix or an overnight solution. It is a deliberate practice, day in and day out, breaking it up in workable tasks, creating a vision for yourself in the future and leaving behind people, places, or situations that you need to leave behind. A refresh takes effort, it takes time and it takes patience. (Read: 4 Easy steps to finding your passions) Ask yourself ‘how?’ instead of ‘I can’t’. Working hard at solving a problem always makes you feel better, especially when you end up solving the problem.

HOWEVER, IF YOU DON’T… AT LEAST YOU KNOW YOU HAVE GIVEN IT YOUR BEST SHOT.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

1. WHEN FORCED INTO A SITUATION, TURN IT AROUND AND HAVE IT WORK TO YOUR FULL ADVANTAGE

It’s like the old saying, are you a ‘glass half full’ person or a ‘glass half empty?’ Which one are you?

READ MY EXPERIENCE >

2. DO YOU CONTINUOUSLY COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS?

Stop and give yourself a break. Positive inner-chatter has allowed me to get past disruptive negative thoughts and stand up for what I believe in. There are some simple changes you can make to help yourself.

HERE'S HOW >

3. ARE YOU SPENDING TIME WITH DREAM THIEVES?

‘Dream Thieves’… you know who they are! People who have negative things to say about you, what you are doing or would like to do - they are dream thieves. Identify who they are and stay clear.

TO GET YOU STARTED, HERE'S A FEW EASY STEPS >