As the new year is in full swing, we have already experienced how fast our commitments to change have slowed down.
We always begin the year with such fire and determination to do things differently.
“This year, I will do better at, more of, and less than…”
But we often make those commitments on Day One, and too soon, it lasts just One Day!
I have learned and adopted a new process that creates a better result than a fast-burning New Year’s Resolution. I believe it will benefit you just the same.
Step 1: Reflect
As I started the new year, I took a minute to reflect on 2023. Not just the bad but also the good and everything in between. This allowed me to take a good glimpse into what was really working in my life and what wasn’t.
I believe in looking at life from a holistic perspective.
Reviewing my mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual well-being allowed me to set my priorities for 2024.
Sometimes, we can become overwhelmed with trying to change too much too fast.
In this moment of reflection, I became grateful for my spiritual practices of daily meditation and prayer and how much I have grown in my relationship with God over the past year.
My physical well-being wasn’t too bad since I worked out 2-4 times per week with Valerie Tyler online, but I still wasn’t quite where I wanted to be. My weight is not horrible, but I also know I can feel much better if I make changes.
In my mental and emotional check, I wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I also realized that I didn’t stress about things as much as I used to (I truly believe my daily spiritual practices have a direct impact on this improvement).
Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint at heart, and the ebbs and flows of it all can be stressful and challenging, but this is where I must rely on my faith and not just my focus.
Step 2: Intention
After reflecting and taking notes in my journal on what was good, what was not so good, and what needed a major change, I was able to set some intentions for improvement.
The reflection gave me reasons to make intentional changes. I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution to lose 10 pounds; I set an “intention” to keep my workout commitment, add a little more cardio, and change my bad snacking habits to good ones.
Each week, I will weigh in and see how these lifestyle changes impact my life. In a short three weeks, I can already see and feel the difference. My physical well-being is on track to go from good to better.
My mental and emotional wellness check on stress related to my business created an intention to spend more time on business development and less time on doing what I’ve always done. How many lifestyle entrepreneurs stay in the rut of securing a client, then spend all their time doing the client’s work and not spending time on growing the business?
This creates a pattern of restriction and limitation.
I just finished a business class with the YWCA, which afforded me an opportunity to have a business coach. What a blessing! I reached out to my coach and dedicated time every week to continue the work I learned in the class.
I’m also expanding my services into other areas that will generate multiple revenue streams. I also started meeting with two other entrepreneurs weekly for business strategy sessions where we support each other. Community is everything! I believe in the African proverb that if you want to go quickly, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. We are building our business together!
Set your intentions to improve those things that did not serve you well last year, and make small or momentous steps to have more in 2024!
Step 3: Remember Self-care and Grace
Whatever you may find in your moments of reflection, do not be afraid to set the intention and do the work to make the change.
This process is the best way to resolve your past issues, dramas, traumas and challenges.
Whether it happened last year or in your childhood, make this year the year you do the work and create the change for more holistic wellness. Your mind, body, and spirit are impacted by the choices and decisions you make daily.
When you fall, get back up, dust yourself off, and try again.
Remember to take time for self-care. You can’t do for others what you don’t do well for yourself. Forgiveness starts with you. Give yourself grace. Be patient with the process.
Be well.
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