Soon, the craziest year will be behind us. 2020 was definitely one for the record books! And despite the fact that we are still living in the midst of much uncertainty, we can still claim our own happiness and set powerful intentions for the coming year.
The newest studies show that our own experience of happiness is up for the taking. In fact 40% to 50% of our joy is based on the choices we make in our lives. And the good news out of this study? We are more in charge of our experiences than was previously thought. And the bad news? Well, we are in charge of our own happiness!
And why is that bad news? Because for many of us, we want to blame our current state of unhappiness on external forces. To think that we can positively claim “the good life” is definitely a challenge for some, and potentially downright exciting for others, especially during our current world-wide crisis.
And so what a perfect time as 2020 comes to an end to pause, take a deep breath, and develop an action plan to re-frame our perspective on our lives.
What the recent studies also show is that our happiness and inner peace is enhanced by implementing a daily gratitude practice. Apparently, allowing ourselves time to reflect on our life experiences has a direct link to our overall sense of well-being.
Why is reflection such a critical part of transformation in our lives, you may ask?
Because without giving ourselves time to reflect on what did and didn’t work for us in our daily experiences, we will only rewind and repeat the same mistakes and failed strategies. And what we will be left with are the same rotten feelings of frustration and disappointment we have experienced, oh, so many times before!
As the saying goes, insanity is doing the same actions and behaviors over and over again and expecting a different result. Can you relate? I know I can!
This is true not only with our fitness and wellness goals, but also in all areas of our lives including our intimate relationships and even our work and finances.
Aren’t you tired of being sick and tired of your less than stellar end-results? If your answer is a resounding “yes”, let’s get busy on setting some new intentions to start 2021, with a clearer purpose and goals that align to who we truly are.
Let’s look at three areas for you to get real, and get clear on what you want more of in your life next year. You deserve this level of clarity and are the only one who can give yourself permission to dream it, so let’s dig in.
1.) Get Clear. Give some serious thought to what you want more of in our life. Stop sugar-coating what is not working and settling for lukewarm. If you are reading this, you know you are worth more than that. Don’t get lulled by what is comfortable and safe. Brilliance is not born in a vacuum. It is birthed where adversity and challenge push at you.
And being clear what has to go to make our lives richer and more filled, starts with allowing ourselves to dream bigger and be honest with what you have been tolerating, which has been clouding your dreams. Hire a therapist, a coach or lean on your most courageous friends to have honest conversations about what you want in your life. Surprise yourself by what you say out loud. Be bold, even bolder in speaking and living your dreams.
2.) Know your Peace. No one can rob you of your peace without you letting them. With clarity of who you are and what you want in life, you create healthier boundaries on what you are willing and not willing to tolerate.
Carve time in your day to do the things that bring you joy and happiness. Will there be push back? Absolutely. Will it feel weird putting yourself first? Most definitely. But just like initially committing to a new exercise regime, give yourself room by understanding the ebb and flow of developing a new habit.
You will most likely feel all kinds of inner resistance as you take action; however, the peace and satisfaction you will experience attaining your goal will be so worth it.
As a coach, I have seen it over and over again with hundreds of clients. Trust me, you can attain this peace too. And it all starts with committing to be the best version of you. You can do it!
3.) Practice Gratitude. Appreciating what you have that is truly good in your life, even on the yuckiest of days, resets you to a greater sense of self-acceptance and joy. Expressions of gratitude both for your life and also for the people who surround and support you, lay the groundwork to keep not only your health and wellness goals on track but also your goals in all areas of your lives, by staying in a mindset of possibility and appreciation.
You are worthy of having an amazing life with health and wellness at the center. By taking the time to dream and fully understand the lessons of your life, even and especially the painful ones, you are setting yourself free to live the life you could at one point, barely even dream of. It’s that good!
No matter your age, race, sex, or religion, you matter. Your dreams matter. It is my belief that you were put here on this planet for a specific assignment only you were given. Isn’t it time you claimed it?
Happy and Healthy New Year to ALL!
Kate McKay, known as the Master Motivator, is a multi-million dollar business owner, international best-selling author, TV personality, transformational speaker, strategic business consultant, and lifestyle coach.
Kate has just released her latest book: The Gratitude Journal- A 5 Minute Practice to Bring More Peace and Prosperity into Your Life. “Having a gratitude practice is a crucial element in managing the stress and strain that exists in our world right now,” Kate proclaims.
Kate loves her work and is clear on her purpose, and it shows!
To learn more about Kate, please visit her website at www.kate-mckay.com.