<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>new year Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <atom:link href="https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/new-year-2/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/new-year-2/</link> <description>PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING & TRAINING</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:53:06 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-ZA</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Asset-1.svg</url> <title>new year Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/new-year-2/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Beyond Resolutions: 10 Ways to Approach the New Year with Purpose</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/beyond-resolutions-10-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-purpose/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/beyond-resolutions-10-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-purpose/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:49:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Finding direction and purpose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2024]]></category> <category><![CDATA[benefits of coaching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coaching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[creating habits]]></category> <category><![CDATA[finding direction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fresh start]]></category> <category><![CDATA[go with the flow]]></category> <category><![CDATA[goal setting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[intention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[intention setting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[intuitive reading]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new habits]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new start]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year resolutions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[one life live it]]></category> <category><![CDATA[phrase of the year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[purpose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[resolutions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[routine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[work of the year]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=5793</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The new year offers a chance for a fresh start, but rather than creating last minute resolutions, approach 2024 with intention and purpose.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/beyond-resolutions-10-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-purpose/">Beyond Resolutions: 10 Ways to Approach the New Year with Purpose</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h5><span style="color: #be9727;"><em>WRITTEN BY ALICIA KOCH, FOUNDER OF <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a style="color: #be9727; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">THE LEGAL BELLETRIST</a></span> </em></span><span style="color: #be9727;"></span></h5> <p><span style="color: #be9727;"><em></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boy oh boy the beginning of a new year can be tricky!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With last year’s <em>“new year, new me”</em> slogan getting an overhaul into this year’s <em>“new year, same me”</em> motto, one is left with a confuzzled idea of how to approach 2024. Is self-improvement or self-compassion on the cards?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s be honest, getting going after you had some time off is kind of like drudging through thick mud – sure you can move through it, but the mud definitely makes the going tough.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At least, that’s how I feel as I sit down to write my first article of 2024. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not exactly unmotivated, but not exactly rearing to go either. You see, I spent my time off lazily lounging on the couch catching up on all missed “must see” shows. Complete with microwave popcorn and my cuddle buddy – my kitty, Miss Georgia Peach. I woke up late, had brunch instead of breakfast and roamed around in the Crocs I said I would never buy together with my most comfy lounge wear (don’t you love that term?) from </span><a href="https://boodywear.co.za/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnfmsBhDfARIsAM7MKi1OjTj4obCmDIHJWEqA_VTySmmGH4HBjkqghC_6k-VqIsNmIpNYfj4aArrvEALw_wcB"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boody</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Bamboo cool, stretchy perfection.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now that I am officially </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">back at work</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, waking up at a respectable early hour, ingesting breakfast and wearing clothes that don’t have elasticated waists has got me a little flustered – </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t wanna”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – all this while keeping squarely in mind that I absolutely love my job. And I simply can’t understand why I’m not excited to get 2024 started. I love what I do, I work from home, and have the best clients. A literal best-case scenario. How can I be this “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">bleh</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">”?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I don’t have any stress (yet). Don’t have deadlines (yet) and don’t have any co-workers that have caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end (the exceptionally light fluff on my neck. I’m not some werewolf roaming around in the daylight). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was then that it hit me – you can’t take a holiday away from yourself. Whatever you have going on inside your noggin remains there, whether you lounge on the couch or on a beach. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, I came to a conclusion. If motivation is not going to come to me naturally, I need to figure out ways to get my butt into gear. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>10 Ways to Approach the New Year with Purpose</strong></h2> <p><span>Sometimes you just need some pointers to get you started on the right track –</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1.png" alt="" title="1" class="wp-image-1486" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Goal setting</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– according to </span><a href="https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Positive Psychology</a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">goal setting </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“helps trigger new behaviors, helps guide your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. In the end, you can’t manage what you don’t measure, and you can’t improve upon something that you don’t properly manage. Setting goals can help you do all of that and more.” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, take out a pen and paper, think of the year ahead and jot down a goal or two – whether it’s a walk around the block once a day, or volunteering at your nearest animal shelter. It can be whatever you want. Get creative. Step out of your comfort zone. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">But</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> be sure to set goals that are at the very least, S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). Challenging is fine. But achieving what you have set out should be the aim. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2.png" alt="" title="2" class="wp-image-1487" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Working with a coach </strong><b>– </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">sometimes the feeling of “bleh” doesn’t end with starting the year with purpose. Sometimes the feeling of “bleh” extends to your everyday life – where there’s a part of you missing, where you want something different. And this involves the seemingly scary, painstaking process of change. Sure, change is scary but with the right support and help, it can be an easier, exciting process. Working with a coach can help you not only set out achievable goals but can also give you focus and direction. A coach can provide the support you need to make the changes necessary to live a fulfilling life. Take </span><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Braving Boundaries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as an example – </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Change for many is a frightening prospect. It takes us from a place of certainty and puts us smack, bang into the unknown. We may dearly want to create change in our lives, but there is a big difference between wanting to change and being ready to make a change. Don’t worry though, whichever stage in the journey you’re at, Braving Boundaries has you covered”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. So, if you’re feeling stuck, </span><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/contact-me/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contact Braving Boundaries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and set up a call with Frieda Levycky to see how you can make the changes necessary to succeed in the areas of your life you need help with.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3.jpg" alt="" title="3" class="wp-image-1488" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Going with the flow</strong><b> – </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">starting a new year with grand expectations can leave a lot of us feeling overwhelmed – where do we even start? But it really doesn’t have to be this way. Forget the pressure and just go with the flow. Simply starting the year with a positive outlook whilst also seeing how life unfolds and what opportunities present themselves is a healthy way to begin a new year. Don’t add on unnecessary pressure and stress from the get-go – that will come on its own accord. Manage your expectations and start the year on an easy note. Life and work are complicated enough without the addition of unrealistic expectations.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Beyond-Resolutions-10-Ways-to-Approach-the-New-Year-with-Purpose-go-with-the-flow.jpg" alt="" title="Beyond Resolutions 10 Ways to Approach the New Year with Purpose - go with the flow" class="wp-image-5803" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4.png" alt="" title="4" class="wp-image-1489" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Creating new habits</strong><b> – </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">according to the </span><a href="https://hbr.org/2021/02/what-does-it-really-take-to-build-a-new-habit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harvard Business Review</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our habits govern our lives, literally. Research shows that around half of our daily actions are driven by </span></i><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20110526144503/http:/dornsife.usc.edu/wendywood/research/documents/Neal.Wood.Quinn.2006.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">repetition</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts advocate for the old-fashioned approach: incremental progress. Dedicated commitment is what, time and again, has proven to lead to change. Surprisingly, the first step towards creating long-term change involves building routines — not habits themselves.</span></i> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">a habit is a behavior done with little or no thought, while a routine involves a series of behaviors frequently, and intentionally, repeated. A behavior has to be a regularly performed routine before it can become a habit at all. The problem is that many of us try to skip the “routine” phase”. </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">And if that’s the situation, then to create new habits, we need to build them into a routine. Take exercise as an example. Believe you me, after the festive season, no one voluntarily wakes up at 5am to get to the gym in order to start burning recently engorged calories. But if you say… hire a personal trainer, set up a day and a specific time that you need to show up at the gym, eventually with repetition, your work outs become healthy habits. It takes one step in the right direction and then repeating it daily and without fail to make exercise a habit. One that’s not only good for your physical health, but your mental health as well – all those endorphins swimming around in your blood stream, is exactly what the doctor ordered. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5.png" alt="" title="5" class="wp-image-1490" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Participating in a challenge</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – there’s something about having a community that helps one to follow through. Have you ever noticed how when a group of people get together to achieve something, everyone pulls their weight? Perhaps it’s the idea of having a common purpose that gets you going. Take a beach clean-up as an example. Everyone that shows up for the beach clean-up challenge, will not only pull their weight, but will do so with a smile. And achieving a goal in this arena will you give you the motivation you need to achieve in other areas of your life. Communities motivate each other and celebrate when one of their members achieve. Why not make a lifestyle change part of a challenge? Grab a friend and sign up to Braving Boundaries </span><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/motivate-me/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Motivate Me</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> challenge together. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_6"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6.jpg" alt="" title="6" class="wp-image-1491" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Setting a word for yourself to focus on for the year</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – ah words. Words are my life and, for me, carry great significance. It’s therefore only natural that picking a word for the year would help motivate me before anything else will. It’s also a wonderful way to set your intention for the year, something to focus on outside of yourself. Something to work towards – a kind of all-encompassing, over-arching goal for the entire year. This year mine is </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">health</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and Frieda’s is </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">self-acceptance</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Two positive affirmations that will see both of us focusing on positive elements that will see us striving to be kinder to ourselves. And that is as important as setting goals for the year.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_7"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/7.png" alt="" title="7" class="wp-image-1882" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Setting a phrase for the year</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– maybe a word isn’t enough. Maybe you need a quote or a phrase to get you started. I personally like this quote from Walt Disney </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Just knowing that “it can be done” if we only put our minds to it, gives me hope. It could be a clever idea to set a phrase or have a quote that you and a couple of your friends all adopt. Again, community helping you stick to your guns. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_8"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Set-word-of-the-year.jpg" alt="" title="Set word of the year" class="wp-image-5804" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_9"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/8.jpg" alt="" title="8" class="wp-image-1883" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Detox</strong><b> – </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">after holidays and the festive season</span><b>, </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">many of us are feeling the slump. Are feeling a little toxic from all the fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. And something’s gotta give. Your poor liver! Your poor tired body and your foggy mind. Do a detox and clear your body and mind from all the toxins that have accumulated during the festive season. While your body detoxifies itself naturally and on a daily basis through the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs, it helps if these organs are healthy enough to do so. And you can do this through optimising your body’s ability to get rid of unwanted harmful toxins. You can do this by limiting or eliminating alcohol from your diet. Call it “dry January” or “dry February” and help your liver and kidneys recover. Get enough sleep so that you can focus on your goals on a daily basis. Drink more water! According to </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-detox-your-body#3.-Drink-more-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Healthline</span></a> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The </span></i><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">adequate daily</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> water intake is 125 ounces (3.7 liters) for men and 91 ounces (2.7 liters) for women. You may need more or less depending on your diet, where you live, and your activity level”. </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reduce or refrain from sugars and processed foods – say goodbye to your hamburgers, pizzas, and sweets. At least for a while. Eat antioxidant rich foods and think about taking antioxidant supplements. Healthline sets out that </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Berries, fruits, nuts, cocoa, vegetables, spices, and beverages like </span></i><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-worlds-biggest-source-of-antioxidants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">coffee</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and green tea have some of the highest amounts of antioxidants”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. It’s also important to limit your salt intake. Eat greens. Don’t think of it as a long-term diet. You’re detoxing. But there are some positive things – like drinking water – that should be adopted long-term.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_10"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/9.jpg" alt="" title="9" class="wp-image-1884" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_20 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Intuitive reading</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – according to </span><a href="https://wheeliemomma.co.uk/what-is-an-intuitive-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wheelie Momma</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> intuitive readings are energy readings. </span><a href="https://clear-intuition.com/products/intuitive-readings" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clear Intuition</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> describes intuitive readings as a tool of self-discovery and self-empowerment to gain deeper insights and a better understanding of oneself. </span><a href="https://dinastrada.com/intuitive-readings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dina Strada</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sets out that intuitive reading involves the tapping into of a person, their life and people within their life and then relaying that information. </span><a href="https://diatherton.co.za/retreats/#readings_guidance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Di Atherton</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> describes intuitive readings – not as fortune telling – but rather </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“true, heart-centered guidance to help move forward”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Frieda has just completed her intuitive reading with Di Atherton and highly recommends the process. Don’t think of this as fortune telling, think of this as another, alternative way to gain valuable insight into you and your life. Another way to gain a hold on where you are going and how you will get there. And that can only be thought of as a good thing.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_21 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_11"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10.jpg" alt="" title="10" class="wp-image-1885" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_22 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Planning ahead</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – now this is important. In order to take leave or in order to do absolutely nothing (because that is a completely acceptable thing to do), you need to actually plan to do so. Start by blocking out days in your diary for “doing nothing” / holidays / down time. Do this asap so that you are forced to take some time off – which is crucial to ensure you not only have balance in your life but that you protect your mental health in the process. If you don’t plan for this, it won’t happen and burn out will come sooner than you think. Plus, you know what they say – </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“all work and no play makes Alicia a dull girl”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. I’m slotting down time into my diary as I type…</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_23 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s a lot of ways to find your mojo for the new year. A lot of ways to get you going. But remember you don’t have to do it all. Pick one and get the ball rolling with that… Baby steps.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before I sign this article off, I thought I would share an image with you all that – when I saw it – I thought “that makes perfect sense to me” –</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_12"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="728" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/January-Reminders.jpg" alt="January reminders" title="January Reminders" class="wp-image-5800" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And with that we wish you all a fantastic start to 2024. May it be a fantabulous year for us all!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_24 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_space"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_15 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_25 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_13"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist.jpg" alt="" title="Alicia Koch - The Legal Belletrist" class="wp-image-1704" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_26 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">About the Author, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong> Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism.</p> <p>Click here to visit <a href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">The Legal Belletrist website</a>. <strong>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> </strong></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_16"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_27 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_14"> <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/work-with-me/"><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CTA-for-Christmas-Blog-2023.jpg.webp" alt="" title="" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/beyond-resolutions-10-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-purpose/">Beyond Resolutions: 10 Ways to Approach the New Year with Purpose</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/beyond-resolutions-10-ways-to-approach-the-new-year-with-purpose/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 2)</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-2/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2021 23:01:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Celebrations & Festivities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Finding direction and purpose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2022]]></category> <category><![CDATA[be kind]]></category> <category><![CDATA[big picture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[braving boundaries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrate the small stuff]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebrations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[connection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[creativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[direction]]></category> <category><![CDATA[end of year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[enneagram assessment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[harmony]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IEQ9]]></category> <category><![CDATA[keep on track]]></category> <category><![CDATA[kindness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life goals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mantra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mindset]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mindset matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[motivate me]]></category> <category><![CDATA[motivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new beginnings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year's resolution]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optimism]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overcoming overwhelm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[positivity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reconnect]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[starting anew]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stay on track]]></category> <category><![CDATA[word for the year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[word of the year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[year goals]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=3715</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Keeping your New Year's Resolutions on track. How do you give yourself the best chance at implementing and achieving the changes you desire?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-2/">New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>By Frieda Levycky of Braving Boundaries and Alicia Koch of The Legal Belletrist</em></strong></h4> <p>So, how are you holding up at the end of 2021? If you’re anything like us, the end of year can’t come soon enough. After two years of uncertainty – of changed plans, obscure regulations and waves of highs and lows (and not just in the pandemic sense) – we are well and truly in need of a proper break. A time to reflect, relax and re-connect with ourselves and our loved ones.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/9-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3759"/></figure> <p>In part 1 of this Article, we spoke about taking a kinder (rather than resolute) approach to making New Year’s Resolutions in 2022. Instead of having a long list of things to accomplish, we encouraged you to identify one word that could be your guiding light for the year.</p> <p>Did you have a chance to consider the word that encapsulates the changes you want to make in 2022? Ali and I managed to choose ours and here are our reasons why.</p> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Year’s Resolution: RE-CONNECT (Frieda’s word)</strong></h2> <p>For me, 2022 is going to be all about re-connection. As a natural extrovert – someone who is always connecting, socialising, involving and organising – I never imagined being someone who would struggle with connection. However, having easily adapted to working from home and the inevitable reduced in-person interaction in 2020/21, I’ve stopped flexing my “connection muscle”. And, frankly, the thought of group activities, live trainings, networking events and easily reaching out to people one-on-one to connect, has started to cause some feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. The irony is that I coach around this and know everything that I need to do to move through these feelings and fears. The reality is though that, at times, we all fall off track – even coaches – it’s just part of being human.</p> <p>So, rather than beating myself up for not making more of an effort to connect in 2021, 2022 is going to be a kinder reintegration into connection again: connection with my family in the UK and Ireland, connection with my existing clients and potential clients, connection with my followers, connection with my industry and connection with myself. That muscle will get re-built, I just need to take the necessary steps to bring about that change. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/10-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3760"/></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Year’s Resolution: HARMONY (Alicia’s word)</strong></h2> <p>The word harmony, to me at least, evokes feelings of balance and flow within all the different areas and facets of our lives, and is something I have personally lacked the last couple of years (being an ex-lawyer it is not entirely hard to understand why). Whether it has been changes in my career, challenges with health or disconnection with family (or friends), I have felt my life lacking harmony and balance. I have, often times, felt lost at sea without a life jacket flailing around the waves in panic. When one part of my life has improved, another has suffered. And because of that, I have not felt completely present nor completely at ease. </p> <p>The beginning of COVID (and start of lockdown) in 2020 marked an enormous change in my life – both professionally and most certainly personally. And whilst lockdown regretfully had negative ripple effects globally, I found myself slowly coming into my own. I had finally found what I loved to do – write – and have successfully made a career out of it. But my health suffered. When my health improved, I found that my personal relationships were negatively affected. It has (very much) been a give and take situation with the important things unfortunately not weighing equally. </p> <p>Whilst I don’t (yet) have all the answers to how I am practically going to find harmony and balance in my life, I know that it will be the small steps I take every day (keeping my word of the year in mind), that will ultimately improve my life. I will need to make focused, conscious decisions and take deliberate actions, knowing (now) that I need to handle myself with care and kindness. Something we do for others but not always for ourselves. </p> <p>I am so looking forward to 2022 which I know will be more balanced and more harmonious not only because I will it so, but because I will take the necessary actions to ensure the outcome I have envisaged for myself. Slowly and gently… </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/11-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3761"/></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Helping you to keep your New Year’s Resolution on track</strong></h2> <p>As we said in the <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/">previous article</a>, choosing your word is the first step. But how do you give yourself the best chance at implementing that word throughout 2022 and achieving the changes you desire?</p> <p>Here are a few ideas:</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Positive Self -Reflection</em></strong></h4> <p>Once you have chosen your word for the year, think about the areas in your life you would like to improve. This will help you to reflect not only on your past but your present and future as well. What has been working in your favour and what would you like to change? In order to set an achievable goal, you need to have a better sense of where you have been, as well as the direction you are moving towards. It’s also important to acknowledge your most recent accomplishments. When immersed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to reflect on our achievements. Perhaps you have already made positive changes throughout the year without giving these accomplishments much thought. Do that now and ensure you acknowledge what you have achieved.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Develop critical self-awareness </em></strong></h4> <p>Living without self-awareness is like driving your car at night without brakes. Technically, you can still drive, but you will eventually lose control, be unable to stop and have a collision. With self-awareness, you shed light on your destructive, reflexive habits. And by doing so, you are able to eliminate self-sabotaging behaviour. So be aware of them. If you’re interested in finding out more about your motivations, blind spots and defence mechanisms, take a look at <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/enneagram/">the Enneagram</a>.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/12-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3762"/></figure> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Make your goal possible</em></strong></h4> <p>Make the actions around your word something you will enjoy. For example, choosing “Health” as your word for the year will involve many different actions like becoming more active and eating healthier. But don’t undertake exercises that will make you feel miserable. Don’t put a bowl of fruit on your kitchen counter filled with fruit you don’t like or commit to running a marathon if you hate running. Be conscious about the actions you take to honour your word for the year in a way that ultimately makes you happy. </p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Celebrate the small stuff</em></strong></h4> <p>The trick is not to become overwhelmed before you get going. Decide the type of person you want to be – A healthy person? A strong person? A writer? A musician? Then prove it to yourself with small wins over time. Start small and begin with acknowledging all of your small successes on a daily basis. </p> <p>Start by taking a look at habits that may be holding you back. Find one that is simple and easy to achieve. For example drinking a glass of water every time you are at your kitchen sink. It may not be often but every time you are there you have one glass of water. This will contribute to your overall wellness and health/fitness. It is also not impossible to do. Find small, simple challenges that you can easily make happen and do them. It will feel so good as well.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Get creative about it</em></strong></h4> <p>How can you motivate yourself to stay on track? It is often the visual things that keep us optimistic. So why not get creative with it? Why not create a piece of art (in whatever medium feels good to you) to hang in your home or your office that visually captures your word of the year. Have a little fun with it and focus your energy on that word entirely as you get creative. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/13-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3763"/></figure> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Define what your word means to you</em></strong></h4> <p>One simple word can capture limitless inspiration and many meaningful feelings. Your own personal definition of what that word means to you will go far beyond what the dictionary has to say about it and will be more meaningful because it is from your own unique perspective. So think about this hard and write it down somewhere that you can refer to when you feel that you have lost your way. </p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Use your word as a mantra </em></strong></h4> <p>Whether or not you create an affirmation, prayer, statement, or something else that works for you, use your single word as a mantra throughout each day. See it in your mind’s eye by creating a mental image that captures its meaning and repeat it to yourself every day. Believe in it and know that it is achievable. </p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Cultivate optimism </em></strong></h4> <p>No one’s life is positive all the time. But the important thing here is to train yourself to focus on the positives and only briefly acknowledge the negatives. Don’t let insecurity prevent you from having a positive outlook. Realise it’s a choice.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/14-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3764"/></figure> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Let go of the typical “resolution” mentality</em></strong></h4> <p>The word of the year process is meant to be a gentle one. But the important thing here is not to confuse gentle with weak. A word for the year is a powerful practice. It is far more effective to focus on a word like “health” than to command yourself to get to the gym or to only eat X number of calories a day. As you inspire yourself towards overall good health, it is likely that you will find yourself achieving good health as a byproduct of simply having an overall healthier mindset. So, make sure that your word feels good to you, not pushy, demanding or unachievable.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Don’t sweat the bad days (small stuff)</em></strong></h4> <p>Just because you have your word for the year and are taking baby steps to achieve your overall goal every day, good habits are extremely hard to develop. And they are really easy to break. Remember change is never easy – for anyone. </p> <p>Perfection is impossible. There will be days when you slip and fall, graze a knee or take a tumble. There will be times when you won’t be able to do what you planned to do. But know that it’s okay – accept it, own it, and then get back on the new habit horse.</p> <p>What matters most here is your long term goals. While you might occasionally fail, see a setback as just a setback – not a reason to give up. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Remember the Big Picture</em></strong></h2> <p>Although change is difficult, what’s most important is developing <em>the kind of habits that allow you to achieve that change</em>. Your mindset is crucial in ensuring that your word of the year is honoured in a way that <em>motivates you, encourages you and fulfills you. </em> </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/15-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3765"/></figure> <p>Don’t just wish and hope that all will be well. Take attainable steps that will ensure success. And keep your mind focused on the achievement of the overall bigger picture. A small misstep today should not mark the end of “word”. </p> <p>While there are, no doubt, still resolution-makers in our midst, we feel it is prudent practice (at least at this point in time) to be kind to ourselves. Whether you’re defining your New Year’s resolutions, choosing your one word to define the whole year, or are choosing to decline the tradition altogether, try your best to maintain positive outlooks and motivation. </p> <p><em>“Past and Present I know well, each is a friend and sometimes an enemy to me. But it is the quiet, beckoning Future, an absolute stranger, with whom I have fallen madly in love.” – </em>Richelle E. Goodrich</p> <p>So, embrace the beckoning future and fall madly in love with it – whether you make resolutions or choose a word of the year, make it your own. Be kind, be gentle, have grace and fall in love with the opportunities that lie ahead of you. </p> <p>From all of us at <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/">Braving Boundaries</a>, we wish you a Happy, Healthy Festive Season and all the best for 2022. </p> <p>Frieda & Ali x</p> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/book-a-call/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/End-of-blog-post-CTA-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3291"/></a></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:15%"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist-1024x1024-1.jpg" alt=""/></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:85%"> <p>About the writer, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong></p> <p>Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism. </p> <p>Click here to visit <a href="https://www.thelegalbelletrist.com/">The Legal Belletrist website</a>.</p> <p><strong>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> </strong></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-2/">New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 2)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 1)</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:23:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Celebrations & Festivities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Finding direction and purpose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2022]]></category> <category><![CDATA[be kind]]></category> <category><![CDATA[be kind to yourself]]></category> <category><![CDATA[braving boundaries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chnage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[creating change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[feeling inspired]]></category> <category><![CDATA[goal setting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[kindness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[melinda gates]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mindset]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mindset matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[motivation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new beginnings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year's resolution]]></category> <category><![CDATA[resolution]]></category> <category><![CDATA[resolutions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[word for the year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[word of the year]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=3712</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>As 2022 draws nearer, let's take a fresh look at our approach to New Year's Resolutions. How can we be kinder to ourselves this year?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/">New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 1)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>By Frieda Levycky of Braving Boundaries and Alicia Koch of <a href="https://www.thelegalbelletrist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Legal Belletrist</a></em></strong></h4> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>New Year’s Resolutions – they are very resolute aren’t they?</em></strong></h2> <p>It’s that time of year again – Christmas turkeys have been ordered and champagne is chilling in the fridge. All in preparation for a festive time of the year – boasting promises of hope for the future. </p> <p>With that, social media is abuzz with positive images and quotes, everything to help gear you towards “achieving your goals” and tackling 2022 with optimism and positivity. </p> <p>Meme after meme motivating us to become better versions of ourselves. <em>As if we are not good enough already</em>. It can get overwhelming. Especially when there is still so much on our plates – a new COVID variant – <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omicron</a>, <a href="https://www.news24.com/health24/medical/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-booster-doses-who-needs-them-and-are-they-safe-and-effective-20211213-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booster vaccines</a> and <a href="https://www.za.kayak.com/travel-restrictions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel restrictions</a> – again. To name but a few. </p> <p>But historically, and as many of us will admit, this is also the time for New Year’s Resolutions. Aaaah, the promises we make to ourselves – <em>to lose weight, to get fit and to find a job that makes us happy.</em> They all sound fantastic in our own heads, especially as we devise plans on how to make them happen. Complex and intricate details around step-by-step improvements that we promise to implement come Day One of the New Year. But are they always realistic? </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3747"/></figure> <p>Either way, they do serve to make us feel better as we indulge in a chocolate or two, have a second helping of Christmas lunch or simply lay on the couch binging Netflix. It calms us down as we reflect on our holiday excess and it gives us a sense of hope that this excess can all be forgotten about and done away with. This sort of “buyer’s remorse” for holidays, propels us to make the wild promises to ourselves to “get into shape” as we unwrap a Jaffa cake and turn on the telly. </p> <p>We have abandoned our restraint (and all reason) but dispel our fears of complete ruin by setting goals to start our new year afresh and completely motivated. We are on holiday after all and excuses to “let go” come easily (and aplenty). </p> <p>It’s not a bad thing to let go, of course. A little R&R is most certainly needed (particularly after the last two years). But it is the promises around the R&R that are important. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/3-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3748"/></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A New Year, a New You?</strong></h2> <p>It seems like a viscous cycle. Come 1st January – after a night full of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acxnmaVTlZA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>“Auld Lang Syne</em></a>”, champagne corks popping and heads aching – gym, yoga or pilates memberships increase at a rapid rate, diets are hastily undertaken and more positive memes are posted on social media. <em>“Out with the old and in with the new”</em> seems to be the general motto with an overall sense of self-improvement (and possible enlightenment) a flurry. </p> <p>It’s like we all wake up at the start of the new year thinking it will be easy as pie to turn over a new leaf and change everything about ourselves. Cabbage soup diets commence. Carbs and wine become unspoken terms. 5am alarms spur us into action for early morning park runs. And those size 8 jeans that have been embarrassingly hidden in the back of our closets for the last ten years, once again, remerge with the allure of: “You can do this”. And there we find ourselves, starting the New Year determined and brimming with self-belief. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/4-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3750"/></figure> <p>Inevitably, however (and if the <a href="https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/a-study-of-800-million-activities-predicts-most-new-years-resolutions-will-be-abandoned-on-january-19-how-you-cancreate-new-habits-that-actually-stick.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surveys</a> are anything to go by), as we settle into the new ebb and flow that is a new year, we become accustomed to a new rhythm and that does not always go hand-in-hand or in sync with the goals we have set for ourselves. All of a sudden, come <a href="https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/various/quitters-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Quitters Day”</a> (aka 19 January), our resolutions and what we sought to achieve often seem too far out of reach and are thus abandoned unfulfilled and seemingly meaningless. </p> <p>This, in turn, leaves us feeling disappointed and disheartened. Like a failure before we’ve even really begun. A recipe for disaster and certainly no good for our self-esteem. We find ourselves in front of the mirror asking:</p> <p><em>“Why is it that with every good intention, I am unable to get fit, lose weight, save more money or find that so-called “happy job”? </em>(the apparently most highly ranked New Year’s resolutions according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/378105/new-years-resolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statista</a>). <em>Why does improving my life seem so elusive?”</em></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/5-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3752"/></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>It’s not the resolution, it’s you</strong></h2> <p>Perhaps it’s the word “resolution” that instills fear of under-achievement in all of us. It is a very intimidating, demanding word – the finality and seriousness of it. It’s like something you “must do”, “have to do” – with seemingly no room for failure.</p> <p>According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a Resolution means – </p> <p><em>“a firm decision to do or not to do something”.</em></p> <p>It’s the <em>firm decision</em> part that has a way of doing us all in. </p> <p>But you see, it’s not the resolution itself that is doomed to fail, like dieting or exercising. It’s your mindset that encourages you to “change” that is most likely at fault. In order to succeed with a goal, you need to change the way you think in order to sustain the motivation to succeed. Unless you change your mindset, your health goals or financial goals will not magically materialise. You need to put in the mental effort first. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/6-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3753"/></figure> <p><strong><em>Change in and of itself is a scary concept.</em></strong><strong> </strong>It involves, at least to a certain degree, a certain amount of emotional strain which in turn can lead to stress, overall discomfort, anxiety, feelings of failure and sometimes depression. Change is not easy for anyone. And that difficulty can lead to a degree of self-sabotage. </p> <p>So, the next logical question is this – <strong><em>how do we change this “setting yourself up to fail” cycle?</em></strong></p> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Year’s Resolutions with a twist</strong></h2> <p>Take Melinda Gates as an example. Melinda does not make New Year’s resolutions. While she does resolve to change, instead of having a list of “resolutions”, she chooses <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/02/melinda-gates-doesnt-make-new-years-resolutions-heres-what-she-does-instead.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a single word</a> to bring her guidance and clarity. She has said that the power of a well-chosen (and focused) word makes the year better, gives her clarity on what she wants to achieve and helps her to focus on an overall (and often continuing) goal. It is a gentler approach and alternative to a long list of resolutions which encourages growth and optimism despite setbacks. </p> <p>As we look back on the last two years, we realise that having a long list of resolutions that are perhaps unattainable (simply because the world is so full of uncertainty at the moment) is <a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2021/01/01/experts-say-go-easy-2021-new-years-resolutions-theyre-ok-even-skip/6539824002/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not necessarily the kindest thing to do to ourselves</a>. Instead, we believe we need to dig a little deeper and find something that encapsulates everything we want to achieve and then take small, daily steps to get closer to that goal. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/7-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3754"/></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A different approach for 2022</strong></h2> <p>This New Year we believe it is ok to take it a little easier on yourself. Rather than creating a long list of things to accomplish, we encourage you to: </p> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Identify the changes you want to make</strong> in 2022 and how those changes will benefit your life as a whole. </li><li>Then <strong>choose one word</strong> that fully encapsulates the changes you want to make in 2022. Let that be the word that becomes your guiding light for the year.</li></ol> <p>Finding your word is just the start. But it’s the beginning of a journey that will gently get you to where you want (and need) to be. </p> <p>Take a read of Part 2 of this Article to gain some insight into how you can turn that one word into a year’s worth of action. Released on Friday, 17 December 2021.</p> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/book-a-call/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/End-of-blog-post-CTA-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3291"/></a></figure> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background" style="background-color:#c69229;color:#c69229"/> <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:15%"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist-1024x1024-1.jpg" alt=""/></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:85%"> <p>About the writer, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong></p> <p>Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism. </p> <p>Click here to visit <a href="https://www.thelegalbelletrist.com/">The Legal Belletrist website</a>.</p> <p><strong>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> </strong></p> </div> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/">New Year’s Resolutions with a twist (Part 1)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/new-years-resolutions-with-a-twist-part-1/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>