Positive change every day

A number of years ago I had a New Year’s epiphany. While I’m not great at making big changes that go against my nature, I can affect positive chance, every day. It’s true. I’m just not the kind of person who can just say “I resolve to do X every day this year” when I’ve never done X before, and I really don’t want to do X at all.

Think about resolutions differently

But I do see the new year as an opportunity to take stock of my life, and aspire to make improvements. Long before it was trendy to pick a ‘power word’, my girlfriends and I would think about what we could do, every day, to affect positive change in our lives. We’d declare our  intention at the start of the year, and try to use this intention as a way to think differently for the full year.

All the little choices add up

Over the years, it’s proven to be a successful tactic. During “The Year of Yes”,  I decided I would be at least 10% more open to new situations. I travelled alone – which was amazing. I discovered new hobbies.  These new hobbies led to new acquaintances. And then led to new friends and meeting a great partner (now my husband). All in all, a great year – all because I said yes to new things. Some were scary. Some were silly. But all made positive changes in my life.

Last year,  was the year of Thrive – a decision to do more things that make me happy. I went to conferences, upped my cooking game, made new friends and got out there more.

Picking my intention for the year isn’t a one day or a one month thing. Unlike my old “resolutions” which generally lasted until my birthday (or about 7 days), it’s a mindset change that’s remarkably easy to follow through on. It’s small choices and decisions day in, day out for 365. And it’s life-changing…one tiny change at a time.

The year of less

This year, I’ve declared 2017 The Year of Less. Less stuff, for starters. Less mindless time fiddling on my phone. And less thinking I’ll just stay in, or good enough. Less going through the motions instead of being present. Less piling so many things on my to-do list, I couldn’t possibly succeed. I’m committed to choosing less every day so I can have more pride in my home. More fun with my friends and family. More enjoyment in the moment. More time to dedicate to the things that matter to me. And way less time spent on the things that don’t.

For me, in 2017, Less is more. And it’s only day two, but I think it’s gonna be great.