It's the end of 2022 and we are entering into 2023. Every January people make new years resolutions in relation to the goals they wish to accomplish by the end of the year, however, the majority of people will fail to achieve it. An example is the typical goal of wanting to lose weight where many people sign up to the gym. I have been an avid gym goer for almost a decade. Every January when I go to the gym it is very packed, but by February the gym is back to its usual capacity. I don't knock resolutions but personally, I believe in bettering myself on a continuous basis in all areas of my life. I am going to share my thoughts on how to level up for 2023.
Mentally
In order to improve yourself on a mental level it is important to surround yourself with the right people. You need people around you who can give you good advice, push you in the right direction and support your goals and dreams. They say you are a reflection of the 5 closest people to you. If you are around people who try to bring you down, or speak fear into you cut them off (or at least distance yourself). If you can, stay away from toxic environments.
Also be mindful of the information and content you consume. What shows do you watch? what music do you listen to? If you consume negative content it will make you think negatively. Try to consume positive and educational content. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts that have substance, do online courses.
I would suggest making a Vision Board so that everyday you can physically see the goals you want to achieve. Positive affirmations are a great way to affirm your goals. Anytime you say these affirmations out loud you are putting out into the world the things you want to accomplish.
Physically
Do you take care of your body? Your health is extremely important, a number of health issues are due to having a bad diet and lifestyle. Look after your body, exercise on a regular basis, if you can afford to I would recommend going to a gym. If not, you can do workouts at home, there are numerous fitness channels on YouTube you can watch and follow. Diet is also important, you are literally what you eat. If you are a busy person I would recommend meal prepping. When I do grocery shopping I purposely do not buy unhealthy snacks (chocolate, sweets etc) because I know I will eat it non stop at home, so instead I buy fruits to snack on. I rarely eat junk food and I try not to eat out a lot as most of the food in restaurants & takeaways are high in sugar and salt. Over time you can be disciplined regarding what you eat.
The next thing I would recommend, especially for my ladies is self-care,. I like to get facials, massages, nails done, eyebrows done etc. My mum raised me to always look presentable and to take care of myself plus it makes me feel good.
Spiritually
I know people have different beliefs. If you believe in God I would suggest prayer, pray on a regular basis to keep that connection to God. I would also recommend reading your holy book, so if you are Christian read the bible to give you more knowledge on the word of God. I also like listening to gospel music. For those that aren't christian, meditation music is also good.
I find that being in nature helps my spirit. It helps me feel connected to the source. Journalling is also good where you write down your thoughts and emotions. Spiritually you want to be at peace, if your spirit is not at peace then there is bad energy disturbing your spirit.
In life strive for progress over perfection, we are not meant to be perfect. We are all a work in progress. Focus on your life and your journey which is unique to you. Live your life to the fullest as we only have one of it and don't know when it will end.
I hope you have a happy and prosperous new year and here are some life lessons I want to share with you all:
- Know your worth and ALWAYS have standards and boundaries, if you don’t people will take advantage of you
- Take advice from people who have already achieved what you want to. E.g if you want to buy a property speak to property owners
- Don’t associate with low standard people who will discourage you from wanting better for yourself or from achieving your goals
- Your actions should be in alignment with your goals e.g if you want to be healthier, eat better & exercise
- Learn to take constructive criticism and don’t get upset by it.
- Take accountability for your choices/actions. Don’t dwell on past mistakes, learn from it then do better.
- Always upskill yourself because the world is advancing at such a fast pace. Google and YouTube university is free
- Take your health VERY seriously, it can be taken from you in a second
- Try therapy. Have a support system. Never suffer in silence.
- If you were raised to have strong faith/morals never feel pressured into subscribing to the degenerate ideologies of this world.