Welcome to a New Year and Salute to a New Chapter of this Book called Life.
January is here, the month where many have set resolutions and intentions for an improved self and life. A lot of people wish to create new habits such as getting their bodies in better shape, or spending more time with loved ones, maybe it is buying a new car or that dream home, others are just ready to change lifestyles and let go of a toxic trait that is holding them back. Whatever your goal is in this new year I want to share with you a few suggestions that I have found helpful.
For a moment let us be sincere, not much has changed except the calendar from one day to the next. The work life resumes to the usual, and so is everything else. As the days go by those goals fade away and the day-to-day routine discourages many. The after math is that you end up feeling bad or angry at yourself for not doing what you thought you would accomplish this time around.
That is why I titled this blog “Achieve your Goals Day by Day”. By breaking down those objectives into day-by-day achievable steps instead of aiming to make a big shift. Then the process can be so much easier for your mind, body, and emotions to integrate and you avoid setting yourself up for failure or disappointment. Each day you can do one thing that will help you get closer to the place you wish to be. Those small daily promises will turn out to be the steppingstone to the big things we are looking forward to manifesting. Emotionally, physically, and mentally you will feel more enthusiastic to continue your journey and possibly even surpassing the initial target.
If you are wanting to work out and get in better shape, I recommend you focus on dedicating 30 minutes 3 times a week to this new habit. Or even if you do a 4-minute daily workout (Yes there is such a thing you can look it up on YouTube). This can be better than saying you are going to work out 5 days a week for one or two hours. Think about it, if you currently do not workout at all, starting strong does not mean you will keep the habit. After a week of beating yourself up at the gym, the full bodily results won't be there yet, and your body will be super sore trying to recover and keep up with an activity you never used to practice. That is why it is better to work yourself up little by little but with consistency, which is the key to having the results you desire.
Another thing you can implement for a better lifestyle is an everyday three to five-minute self-appreciation time. Breathing intentionally, breathe out stress or anxiety and breathe in peace and health. Affirming loving statements to yourself is the most important habit you can develop. You can start simply by saying: “I am here, and I am doing my best” “I am loved and supported by God (or by a higher power)” “Life is unfolding and working out best case scenario”. Make up your own affirmations and feel them in your body as you say them. This will start to work within your being, and it will shift the way you experience life plus the instant effect will be a feeling of calmness.
Be mindful about the food you eat and challenge yourself to drink a little more water each day. This is something that is completely in your control. Eliminating sugar, sodas, and fast food from your diet can result in positive changes not only to your body but for your overall mood. And we all know that when we are in a good mood, things are much easier to accomplish.
Lately I have been captivated by the way food makes me feel, as I have been observing myself and I notice some foods make me tired and sleepy while others make me feel lighter and clear minded. So of course, I did my research about this. I found so much information, but I wanted to share with you this piece because it is simple yet powerful to know. “The science behind food and mood: The connection between diet and emotions stems from the close relationship between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract, often called the “second brain”. When neurotransmitter production is in good shape, your brain receives these positive messages loud and clear, and your emotions reflect it. But when production goes awry, so might your mood. When you stick to a diet of healthy food, you’re setting yourself up for fewer mood fluctuations, an overall happier outlook and an improved ability to focus, Dr. Cora says. Studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.” There you have it, the food you eat is a big deal in how you feel and how your brain works therefore the way you experience your day and ultimately your life.
When it comes to money, it is so much easier to spend it than to put it in a savings account. Discipline is a big factor and so is responsibility. Make it easy on yourself. Know how much you need by a specific date and then create a plan, maybe break down the grand total in small weekly savings and put it aside. See it as an investment that cannot be touched. Also having a picture of the home or the car you wish to acquire could be a motivation to stay on track with your savings. Knowing that you are actively doing something that is getting you closer to having that dream come true will keep empowering you to stay disciplined.
As I mentioned before the key to success is consistency. Things don’t happen overnight; they take time and dedication but if you want them bad enough you will apply yourself and give it your best each day. Having someone to give you encouragement or support when you need it, is another major factor in staying on track. We all have bad days and having a loving uplifting person cheering you could make all the difference in the world. It doesn’t mean that the bad day will just disappear but the love we receive can make it easier to move through those difficult moments and next thing you know you are back to having another good day and ready to keep going on your journey of loving yourself and working on your goals.
You got this. Keep believing in yourself, in your power. Remember we all face challenges but that is what makes us stronger and wiser. Day by day we can do a little more to get us closer to our desires and each day there is a reason to smile and to be grateful we are here, living, experimenting, and becoming a better version of who we are.
-Arelys Perez Mustafa