I cannot believe that we are 60 days away from 2016! A lot of excitement can be found in the thought of a fresh, clean year… complete with a blank slate, and all the troubles and misfortunes of 2015 left behind us. In my business, it’s the craziest time of year! About 1/3 of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, everyone is gung-ho with their goals and gyms are filled to the brim with hopeful new members. I’ve seen it firsthand; some of my clients are huge New Year’s resolution success stories, but why do we wait for January 1st to create positive change in our lives? How about starting today and finishing 2015 strong?
“Where you start is not as important as where you finish.” – Zig Ziglar
Here are my 10 tips for making the most out of these last 60 days:
- Be grateful. Reflect back on all you have accomplished and learned in 2015. Surely you have had your struggles, we all have, but what went right? Write it down, do it now… Write down 10 things you are grateful for that happened this year so far. Let that marinate, post it somewhere and finish the year in a state of gratitude.
- Get motivated. Pick a goal to end the year with, even if it carries over into next. Find inspiration by googling your goal and reading success stories. Reading about other people who have done it may light a fire underneath you. Get excited about it – post it, talk to people about it, commit to it publicly… whatever it takes to get you motivated.
- Stop procrastinating. Procrastination is a product of fear. For example: starting an exercise program. Some fear it will be scary, it will be too hard or it will take up too much time. Ask yourself this question: “How have I benefited from waiting to start?” Start now; this can be your day one. The process of finishing well is so healthy, finish 2015 strong (literally).
- Take action. Whatever it is you want in life, you must set a game plan and take action. Decide what the first action step is to making that thing happen and take that step.
- Organize and Prioritize. Feeling organized and managing your time wisely can be so beneficial to your mental health. Create a budget for your time these next 60 days. The holidays are tough because there are so many events and parties… make the executive decision to not RSVP to every single one this year. When you are constantly giving your time to others you make no time for yourself, creating more stress and anxiety. Don’t do that to yourself!
- Live deeply. It’s never too late to find your passion. What is it that just speaks to your soul and brings so much joy to your heart? It could be yoga, church, crafts, volunteering?? The holidays are a great time to volunteer! Live a passionate life by doing more of those things (which you’ll have time for since you’ve already organized and prioritized). Start 2016 with a happy heart by filling it now.
- Be intentional. Buy a journal, and for the next 60 days write down your thoughts, ideas, to-do’s, dreams etc. These tasks are more likely to be completed when written down… and always rely on that journal to look back and see how far you’ve come. It’s your story. Setting those intentions means recognizing that our thoughts, actions and especially our attitude affect the outcome of the items we wrote down. Focus on removing self-limiting beliefs from your thought patterns; meditation can be a great practice if you struggle with this. Every time a negative thought creeps in, replace it with a positive affirmation. For example, if your thought is: “I am not good enough”. First, recognize that it’s untrue and replace it immediately with “I am more than enough. I am powerful, and have everything I need within me”. Say it out loud. See, doesn’t that feel so much better?
- Examine your squad. Do the people you surround yourself with reflect the type of person you want to be? If not, are they at least supportive? Are they positive, happy people? Just remember that you are a product of your surroundings. Your friends should encourage you and inspire you, not drain you. Cultivate and nurture positive relationships.
- It’s a lifestyle. Most people make a goal to get in shape for the New Year, but wouldn’t it be awesome to start 2016 already feeling fabulous? Yes, we all would love that, so why wait? You might not reach your ultimate end goal in 60 days, but you can establish a healthy new lifestyle now! Did you know exercise naturally releases the happy hormones in your body, and it also reduces stress, anxiety and builds confidence! Don’t know where to start? Check out my website www.fithappygirl.com for health, nutrition and fitness tips.
- No fear. You MUST step outside your comfort zone to really make things happen in your life. We let fear stop us often, and the truth is a lot of the things we worry about will never happen. So be a little braver, get a little beast-mode with it, and just GO FOR IT! Whatever it is. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try… and what if it all just worked out in your favor?? Hint: I did not get where I am today by playing it safe.
I whole-heartedly believe that if you follow these tips, and take serious action in your life that you can successfully finish out this year strong. Don’t wait for the New Year, life is happening now. Turn off the TV, social media and just completely unplug from any other distractions. How will your 2015 end? Then hit the ground running as a new, and already improved YOU come the New Year.
Learn more about Lindsey B. Cusey and her services at fithappygirl.com.