We all need a fresh start from time to time and there’s something magical about the start of a new year. Although it’s simply another day, many of us believe we will finally make all of our dreams come true. It’s as if we trick our minds into believing the bad habits we’ve accumulated over the years will vanish on January 1st. Somehow overnight we’ll master self-discipline, become laser-focused, and we will never make excuses again. I know the holidays are a time for miracles, but let’s get real.
Fortunately, there is good news. We have the power to make our dreams a reality. If we choose to make this our best year ever, we need to make better decisions. Below are three pieces of advice to get you started.
1. Believe in Yourself
I’m fascinated by how many people do not embrace how incredibly talented they are. I’ve worked with hundreds of business owners and professionals who struggle with the idea that their work is actually really good. They don’t see the greatness that others experience in them with every interaction. In this new social media economy where we only have access to the highlight reels of other people’s lives, it’s easy for us to doubt ourselves and our abilities. We strive for perfection and when we don’t achieve it, because it doesn’t exist, we beat ourselves up.
Own your value. Believe in yourself and your work as you continue striving to become the-best-version-of-yourself. Be comfortable knowing you will make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up and walk away. Your best year ever includes a confident you.
2. Believe in the Power of Your Dreams
“Your dreams are yours for a reason”. That phrase has stuck with me since I first heard it from Matthew Kelly over ten years ago. I often quote this line when I’m coaching clients. Sometimes we need a reminder that the desire we have to accomplish something was placed in our heart for a reason. If it’s a strong enough dream, it’s never going away. Deep down we know that.
A few months ago I found a box of old journals. I sat on my living room floor laughing as I flipped through pages of memories. One sheet was filled with dreams. As I read down the list I smiled. Fortunately, I have achieved many of those dreams. Some can still be found on my most recent dream list while others are no longer important to me. I was reminded that people have come and gone, my career has evolved, and I’ve experienced challenges and triumphs. However, the core of who I am and what I want to achieve in my life has remained the same.
What is your dream? What is one thing in your life you know you want to achieve, but haven’t? It keeps you up at night, you daydream about it, and only those closest to you know what it is. That’s not going away. It’s time to believe in the power of that dream and make it happen.
3. Get a Coach
Why don’t we do the things we know are necessary if we want to achieve our dreams? If we were to write a list of reasons, accountability would certainly be included in the top three. One of my favorite comedians, John Mulaney, said “It’s 100% easier to not do something than it is to do it.” While I know it was said as part of a joke, a very funny one in fact, I thought of how true those words really are. When we don’t have to do something even when we believe it’s good for us, it’s easier to make excuses, procrastinate, or simply not do it at all. However, when a call with our coach is scheduled, and we know they’re going to ask about progress on a certain task, we do whatever it takes to get it done.
The #1 priority of a coach is to help you become the-best-version-of-yourself. You accomplish this by working towards achieving your dreams. Remember, they are yours for a reason. Other than your coach, there’s almost no other person in your life that has no agenda other than to help you achieve what you want in life. They are there to support you, challenge you, and of course, hold you accountable. Hiring a coach will change your life.
Whether you’re reading this before the start of the new year or right in the middle of the year, you can choose to make this your best year ever starting right now.
Every moment is a chance to turn it all around. Let us help you make this your moment.
