The new year offers a prime opportunity for embracing change due to its inherent symbolism of fresh beginnings and renewed energy. But change can be hard! As the calendar resets for a new year, it signifies a chance for us to mentally reset, setting new goals and intentions. As we celebrate a new year, there is a certain amount of motivation and optimism as we reflect on our lives and imagine new beginnings. Some look to make changes physically by getting in shape.
Some want to make a change in their work, financial outlook or location. No matter what change, it takes a certain mindset of determination, tenacity and optimism to create positive transformations. Resolutions alone fail. Statistics reveal that 9-12% of people keep New Year’s resolutions or at least are confident of their success. However, this is a time to create a supportive environment for encouragement and accountability for ourselves and others around us.
Successful Practices for Embracing Change
For an inspiring example of change, in 1983, Tony Robbins, now considered as the world’s #1 success coach, set aside time to establish a whole new set of goals, writing down all the things he would no longer settle for as well as what he was committed to having in his life. That moment changed his life.
Scott Adams is the creator of the Dilbert comic and is one of the most successful cartoonists of our time. Before he launched his cartoon career, he was just a normal 9 to 5 employee but made a transformational change. He started writing down a positive affirmation 15 times a day. Time and time again, that affirmation was fulfilled as he focused intently on it.
Those are some great, inspiring examples and there are many more with a simple google search. Here, we focus on five mindsets that can aid us in making our transformative changes in the new year. Make sure you get your free download to make notes for embracing change in your life.
One: Openness to Learning
For a transformative change, embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Personal and professional growth is usually down the list on goals for a new year for most but taking the step forward with a course or coaching can make all the difference in making successful changes. And it’s never too late to start. There are many online courses to be had so look carefully at who and what organization created the course to be able to best determine the direction and focus of the outcome. Hero Mountain Summit is a course that can truly bring transformation personally and professionally with very small steps for success.
To incorporate an openness to learning takes a mindset of receptiveness to new ideas, knowledge, and experiences. This mindset allows for the acquisition of new skills, perspectives, and approaches that can facilitate personal and professional development. I encourage everyone to develop this mindset. (Free Download: Embracing Change)
Two: Resilience and Adaptability
We can cultivate resilience by acknowledging that setbacks and challenges are part of the change process. Failure is a part of growth and change, though we often discount the role failure plays in the process. Stopping to evaluate what went wrong and went right will help us learn the most. Peter Drucker (1909-2005), is known as the father of modern management and wrote many books on the subject. He famously said, “What gets measured gets managed.” This principle continues to hold value for many areas of our life.
To increase resilience, it’s helpful to develop the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and setbacks, though this far from easy. Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks can empower us to adapt and overcome difficulties.
Three: Positive Self-Talk and Affirmation
With all of today’s messaging about confidence, imposter syndrome and negative self-talk, it is important to adopt a positive and empowering inner dialogue. It’s imperative to find ways to encourage ourselves with affirmations and positive self-talk to build confidence and self-belief in what we are attempting. This practice can take the form of positive affirmations similar to what Scott Adams did with his 15 positive affirmations a day. As each affirmation came true, he added another affirmation for focus.
Affirming our capabilities and worth can bolster our motivation and determination to achieve our goals. This also takes the mindset of setting aside limiting beliefs as modeled by Tony Robbins as he wrote down what he would no longer settle for.
Four: Mindfulness and Presence
An extremely valuable habit is to practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment, which I encourage by journaling and even meditation. I take time for this most every morning and it makes a difference in my day. This mindset of mindfulness encourages awareness of thoughts, emotions, and actions without judgment. It also helps to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. If you’ve not updated your core values recently, this is a good time to do so. (See Appendix in Stop Circling Book)
There are many journals that can be obtained online, but all it really takes is a simple notepad. I’m a believer in the value of pen and paper. Many times, as thoughts are written out, they become clearer. It helps to write them out to be present in the moment for making conscious choices aligned with our goals and values.
Five: Goal-Oriented Mindset
It is important to not only set clear goals, but achievable and measurable goals with realistic expectations. I distinctly remember the unrealistic goal I had during one college spring break when I thought I’d take up the violin. After all, I had accompanied my sister for years, so it couldn’t be all that hard! However, I didn’t take the fact into account that she had started studying violin at the age of four and it was one of the hardest instruments to play. The two weeks of my break went by quickly and I hardly picked up the instrument! I therefore continued my realistic expectations and goals pursuing piano, voice and completing my education.
To successfully achieve goals, create actionable plans to attain them. We have free downloadable goal worksheets so make sure you get them. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. Then celebrate wins! This mindset fosters a sense of direction and purpose, keeping us motivated and accountable for our progress. (Download FREE Goal Setting Worksheets)
Application
These five mindsets can contribute significantly to a successful and transformative journey in the new year. Take time to write a brief application for each of those mindsets that you will apply. This will facilitate the most personal growth and achievement and as a result, the great satisfaction of success.
How Your Core Values can Affect Your Happiness
What to Do When You Hit a Plateau
The Mindset of a Grateful Heart
It is important to not only set clear goals, but achievable and measurable goals with realistic expectations.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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