Changing Gears in 2024
The start of a new year brings a sense of hope, optimism, a reset and a blank sheet to write your chapter.
I hope 2023 was a very good year for you. Maybe you had highs, some lows and a few unexpected/expected challenges. However, I believe these go with the territory because, without these challenges, you wouldn’t be where you are today.
Looking back on my 2023, I’ve significantly grown as an Executive Coach, especially as the business world continues to change at a breakneck pace. 2023 was the year I co-published my first book — The Shift.
It was an incredible achievement, considering the book started as an idea in my weekly business book club with two people I met at Clubhouse during COVID-19. The Shift was a culmination of efforts spanning three different geographical regions and time zones. I will relish this experience for a very long time to come.
It wasn’t all plain sailing. I journaled on the days that felt like walking treacle, but those days were necessary to help me take better steps moving forward.
I believe you shouldn’t fear the challenging days because they give you an insight into what you’re made of. If you learn to play to your strengths, you’ll thrive instead of worrying about things out of your control. Learning to shift comes as you process what’s worked, what didn’t, and what could be better.
To shift gears before the new year, learn to offload the mental baggage.
Offload the Baggage Before the New Year
If you carry the baggage, it will overwhelm you somewhere along the line. To deal with toxic/challenging situations, there are things you can do to help yourself. Remember, you have more control than you think.
Here are some Top Tips:
❇️Journal it — work through the emotions step by step. Don’t skip any steps you will need to go back to the beginning
❇️Walk it — one of my favourites as it helps get perspective quickly
❇️Discuss with a close friend/confidante- Work it out yourself first to bring a refined dialogue to the table
❇️Watch the internal Dialogue — it will put you in a mental jail quicker than you think
Journal Your Baggage Away
Use Journalling As Your Secret Weapon. Why is journaling so powerful?
Journaling provides Clarity and Self-Discovery. Writing down your thoughts and emotions allows clarity to the chaos of your mind. You can explore your feelings in detail as journaling helps you better understand yourself. By becoming more self-aware, you can identify patterns, triggers, and areas for improvement, leading to personal growth and positive change.
Set Stretch Goals
I see the following scenario all too frequently, especially over the last couple of years- people aim for big goals and great action plans, and then a curveball hits. Consequently, there’s usually a temptation to sit and wait it out.
In most cases, you need to keep going. Why? There’s a lot of change and uncertainty out there. It’s okay to be unsure, fearful, and hesitant. When things get sticky, learn to trust the step before you.
Top Tip: Don’t perfect anything. Otherwise, you’ll miss the stretches, insights and invaluable learning for the next step.
How To Set Great Goals
Here are a few tips for making the most of the new year momentum:
- Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.
- Make a plan of action. Break your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks and create a schedule to help you stay on track.
- Seek support. Whether it’s from friends, family, or a support group, having people to encourage and motivate you can make a big difference in your ability to achieve your goals.
- Keep a positive attitude. It’s normal to encounter setbacks and challenges, but staying positive and a growth mindset will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
- Celebrate your progress. As you make progress towards your goals, take a moment to celebrate your achievements. This will help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Discipline Determines The Level of Success
Discipline requires a mindset shift involving jumping into the driving seat instead of patiently waiting.
To achieve your goals, it is crucial to be consistent and persistent in working towards them.
Discipline requires a commitment to making progress, even when difficult or uncomfortable. It is important to remember often why your goal is essential and to keep that motivation in mind during times of difficulty.
Like with many things, developing discipline takes time and consistent effort to form; it’s not something that happens overnight. And even when you become disciplined, it’s also essential to give yourself a break sometimes; that way, you can recharge and come back stronger.
It’s also important to recognise that discipline is not only about willpower and self-control but also about understanding yourself and learning what works best for you. It’s a process of self-discovery and a journey that takes time, patience and the ability to learn from mistakes.
Parting Comments
Remember, it’s essential to be realistic and patient. It takes time to make lasting changes, but you can create your best year with hard work and dedication!
Thank you for your attention.
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Pervin
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