How are you getting on with those new year resolutions? Do any of them involve building habits into your already busy lifestyle? With only 24 hours in a day, tell me who’s got the time to sleep 9 hours, meditate, hit the gym, make breakfast, do yoga, network, take up a hobby, have dinner with friends, read a book, study, go food shopping, call sis for a chat, look after the kids (or not), go on dates and get some “me” time, and all in twenty-four hours! Crazy right? Wrong. There are millions of people out there who actually live like this and are blissfully happy and successful.
In a recent study carried out by Ucci Wellness, 150 people were asked if they set any goals for 2020. A surprising 73% said yes, although 64% admitted that it’s difficult to form the habits required to achieve their goals or even make a start on them, with a sorry 3% giving up already!
But to be happy and successful you need to create good habits and this is the bit that isn't so easy. How many times have you simply just forgotten to do them or tell yourself you just don’t have the time? So I’ve created this article covering the essential “must do’s” to help you create those good habits and achieve success in 2020.
Firstly, change doesn’t happen overnight, so try not to be too hard on yourself when you haven't done what you set out to do. On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behaviour becomes automatic, 66 days to be exact according to a study conducted by Phillippa Lally, a health psychology researcher at the University College London. One very important rule is to remind yourself everyday of why you’re doing it. That reason alone will trigger action. By thinking about your goals everyday, they will manifest into reality and if you need a prompt to help you remember and learn how to dream big why not try creating a Vision Board or journaling everyday. Sit down in a quiet place and just stare at your Vision Board for 5 minutes working through each moment as if it was real, equally you can write these thoughts down. Both have the power to attract the right energy and bring good things into your life.
Start small so you don’t bite off more than you can chew and make sure you drop other stuff that gets in the way. You will need to make sacrifices, even of the things you like, to make space for something new and achieve your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight, then stop going out after work and drinking alcohol! Make a list of everything you need to do in order to achieve your goals and what bad habits you need to get rid of. Another tip is to invest lots of money and energy into your goal and that way it makes it harder to quit!
Your environment will also play a huge role in your behaviour and how it looks will determine your level of energy and focus. As explained by decluttering expert Tash Fanshawe, “Our homes shape our lives. A home can store lots of good and bad memories in its furniture and objects. If you want a fresh start let go of a few things, change the look of a room allowing more space and energy to flow and see how it will transform your mind and your future! By changing things around you physically, you can change how you think”. Make your home not only restful but restorative by getting rid of clutter.
Once you have space, make it work for you. The ancient art of Feng Shui aims to ensure that people live in harmony with their surroundings and goes as far as saying that your destiny is linked to your environment. By examining how energy or qi, (pronounced "chee), flows through your entire home and work space, Feng Shui seeks to create harmony and balance in your work, finances, relationships, wellbeing and health. So with any goals you have, you want your environment to support you energetically. If you’re looking for romance, one way to increase your chances is to have matching bedside tables with matching curvy lamps, because having pairs attracts the couples energy!
The people around you also need to be encouraging for your hopes and dreams to come true. We’re not asking you to get rid of your grumpy, old boss or pessimistic friend but to seek out like-minded people that too believe in your vision and goals. Try joining a group or hire experts to help kick start your journey. Successful people don’t get to the top by doing it alone, they have all invested in a team of experts to help them along their way. From motivational coaches, personal trainers to nutritionists and stylists, these experts have all had a helping hand in a person’s success story whether directly or indirectly. For example, getting help from an exercise coach or a nutritionist will not only provide you with the motivation and insight you need to live a healthy lifestyle but will make you feel and look good, giving you that extra dose of energy and confidence to ask for that promotion at work. It’s an holistic approach to life nourishing the mind, body and spirit.
Hopefully all of the above will help in this last but most important tip; believe in yourself. With all my reading I came across an interview with Beyonce talking about her strong sense of belief in herself and the power it has to make changes. It’s not the first time I’ve read about Beyonce and how she uses visualisation to get to her end goal. Asked about her creative process she said that her mother instilled in her the idea that creativity starts with taking a leap of faith, telling your fears they are not allowed where you are heading. Everyone reading this has more power than they realise and the confidence to take chances. So why not take a bet on yourself and see what happens.
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If you want to kick start your habit creation and work with experts in nutrition, exercise, decluttering, feng shui and goal planning and management all under one roof, why not come to our one day workshop and programme “Be The Best You”, where our experts will provide you with the tools to make your goals come true and give you access to our community of likeminded people to help you keep on track and hold you accountable. To join or know more click here.
