Your 10 Step Guide to a Rockin' New Year

[Carol Ebert, MSN, RN]

From holiday over-eating to New Year reckonings about weight? From worrying about money to wondering what else you could do to increase your income? From working in a job that frustrates you or you've outgrown to wondering what else you could be doing? From leaving the workforce to enter the world of retirement and not knowing how to adjust? Transitions are everywhere at any time and can be perceived as negative or positive. I prefer the latter and have some thoughts to consider.

T - Trust your instincts

Rather than be caught off guard when things change, take the high road and note what your gut is telling you about what is going on. Keep in mind the change you are experiencing might be just what you have been secretly wanting!

R - Reset your eating and exercise program

Have you been stuck and know you want to get healthier but not sure how to make the first move? I'm sure you have dealt with this before, so reflect on what helped you be successful in the past and recreate those steps.

A - Adjust your thinking from I CAN'T to I CAN

See yourself healthy, happy and whole. Send time every day imagining yourself being your best and being grateful for all that you are and have. Hang up pictures to visually represent what your goals look like so you can start living in that body even before you get there.

N - Notice what you need right now

Go outside right now for a walk. Yes - right now! By yourself! Take a notepad and pen along because great ideas are sure to surface while you are walking and you may want to write them down before you lose them. Focus as you walk on what you really need right now to move forward thru this transition. This will be your starting point.

S - Set goals in alignment with your values to create the life you love

Have you ever taken the time to really ask yourself what you want? Yes, you know what your parents want for you, what your kids want, what your partner wants, and what you "should" want. But what do you really want? Write down 3 dreams you have for a more complete life and post it where you can ponder it.

I - Integrate all your skills into a single focus

By now you have probably acquired a lot of great life and work skills that make you the fantastic talented person you are. During this transition, you might find that it is time to put them all to good use and see what emerges. Write down a list of everything you are great at - write until you can't think of anything else - at least 30 things.

T - Train yourself for new skills

After I had acquired all the skills I thought I needed in life, I opened up myself to what might be next for me - the key - being open to possibilities. What showed up for me was "wellness coaching", or some people call it "life coaching". When I was searching for "what's next for me", a friend coached me and after just 2 sessions, I had a new direction, a plan, and I was on my way again. I loved the experience so much, I was trained to be a coach as well as a coach trainer.

I - Invite new opportunities

When I was transitioning out of the workforce and into my own independent wellness business, I needed to figure out how to earn money while still doing the work I am passionate about. Because I remained open to new ideas, I was presented with a way to help people get healthy as well as make the income I needed. The key was to stay open to new ideas and give them a chance to see if they could work for you.

O - Own up to what is best for you

Not sure what direction to take as you transition? Your guide should be how you "feel" about what you decide to do. As they say, if it feels right - do it!

N - Now is the time to reinvent yourself

Call it a New Year Resolution or just call it a gift to yourself. But the new year brings with it new energy, new motivation and an excellent time for a new start. Enjoy the process of your transition. Remember, it's about the journey not the destination. And above all make it fun!

Feel free to share what you are committing to this year.

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

I try to set a realistic exercise goal. I think this helps

[Carol Ebert, MSN, RN]

I try to set a realistic exercise goal. I think this helps

Exercise is my favorite goal because of all the benefits. The motivation for me to exercise is stress management and when I don't do it regularly I feel miserable. Good for you setting a realistic goal.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Happy New Year 2019!

What are some of the transitions for your new year?