Winter is slowly coming to a close and spring will begin to unfold with all of its beautiful new growth and possibilities. This time of year is perfect for each of us to refresh and reset by releasing old habits and inviting in positive changes to enrich our lives.
Change doesn’t have to be huge. In fact, here are five simple steps you can take today.
Step 1. make time and space to do nothing
That’s right, schedule time and make room to do nothing. While the pandemic has certainly slowed down our normal over-planned and super-busy schedules, there is still guilt associated with just doing nothing.
By doing nothing, you’re actually doing something: resting, thinking, dreaming. It allows you to go into a deeper state of self-awareness so you can reconnect with yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to notice new ideas or solutions quietly rise to the surface. You’ll feel a sense of well-being and self-love.
One of my personal favorite ways to do nothing is to sit in nature and just observe.
Step 2. take inventory
Upon return from your lovely “do nothing” retreat, give yourself additional time and space to reflect and take inventory about what you need more or less of. Is there anything holding you back from achieving your goals? What areas would you like to improve upon and what are some ways to get the ball rolling?
Be honest and identify what internal or external factors are influencing your thoughts. See if you discover any of these common speedbumps blocking your way:
Lack of:
- confidence
- motivation
- patience
- self-worth
Fear of:
- asking for help
- commitment
- failure
- rejection
I find it helpful to jot down any limiting beliefs that I’ve become aware of and proactively work on releasing them through daily practice and mindfulness.
Step 3. set an intention
When you set an intention, you become an active participant in self-improvement and growth. Writing down anything from “improve my health” to “gain control over my finances” can immediately boost your chance to achieve these goals.
List the steps you’ll take to get there and review your intention each morning so that you start off on the right foot. If you’d like, tape your intention by your computer or a mirror so that you don’t lose sight of this important milestone you’d like to accomplish.
Step 4. be patient and stay positive
Sometimes things will come easily to you. Other times you may want to give up. This important step in the process can make or break your final outcome. Be patient, stay positive. Give yourself permission to feel overwhelmed or unmotivated at times. Recognize that you’ll occasionally hit a wall, a plateau or even a set back. That’s all normal, don’t beat yourself up over these experiences.
One thing I find helpful when I feel frustrated with my progress is to list the things I’m grateful for. Sometimes the list is top 3, sometimes I challenge myself to come up with 20. Either way, once I begin to focus on what’s working, I can get back up and continue forward.
Step 5. take care of your body
Your mindset is a big key in the renewal process but don’t forget about the rest of you. Find time to move your body and nourish it. Exercise of any kind and for any amount of time is a kindness you owe to yourself. Pick something you enjoy.
I love yoga and hiking outside. Both feel freeing to me and I recognize that I’m in a much better mood after I’ve spent time doing that for myself.
With a spring in your step and a song in your heart, you’re on your way to amazing things.
Grow ahead, you got this!
