The beginning of a new year often brings the anticipation of a fresh start. We thoughtfully reflect on the previous year and make plans and goals for the new year.
As we get close to the end of January, it’s usually about this time that we start to lose steam. What we were once so excited about doesn’t seem so exciting anymore. The dreams and goals that were set with so much enthusiasm and anticipation seem like a distant memory - or worse - unattainable.
Why does this happen? And why does this happen to so many people? What is the key to sustainable change and ultimately achieving any goal you set?
What I’ve learned is that the answer is found in our behaviors and mindsets. To achieve something different, we have to be willing to do something different and that is what is hard to sustain.
We start out ready and willing, however, over time, those limiting thoughts start to creep in. Thoughts like I don’t feel like it or this will never work or I wasn’t meant to achieve this. Your mind starts talking you out of believing you can achieve and ultimately you just…stop.
If you master your thoughts, you will change your life. Here are 5 tips for creating a powerful mindset to achieve anything you want:
Challenge your limiting beliefs - These are the thoughts that creep into your head causing you to doubt if you are capable or worthy. These thoughts often remind you of the times you tried before and weren’t successful. In the past, you may have given in to these limiting beliefs. But not this time! The first step is understanding that limiting beliefs WILL come. It’s part of the process. But this time, challenge that thought - don’t accept it. Change the doubting thought into a confident thought. (Read more on this topic)
Face and overcome your fears - Change is scary and often uncomfortable. As humans, we tend to want to stay within our own comfort zone. Understand that to achieve something you’ve never done before, you have to do something you’ve done before. Feel the fear and do it anyway! (Read more on this topic)
Change your self-talk - We really are our worst critics! We often criticize, blame, or shame ourselves with our internal dialogue. We say things to ourselves that we would never say to somebody else. Be kind to yourself. Make it a habit to say encouraging positive messages. (Read more on this topic)
Get Support - Goals are usually not achieved in isolation. Find people who have achieved what you want to achieve. Learn from them. What did they do? How do they think? Learn - read books, listen to podcasts. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, learn from the people who have accomplished what you are trying to accomplish. (Read more on this topic)
Surround yourself with like-minded people - To keep a positive mindset surround yourself with people who are going to encourage you and build you up. You will always have some negative people who try to talk you out of your goal. Don’t listen to them. Focus on what you want. Be persistent and never give up. (Read more on this topic)
Let’s make 2023 the best year, yet!