New Year, New You. 16 Habits for the New Year.

Usually on New Year’s Eve I stay home and write out all my plans out for the year and refuse to wake up hungover — it’s a bad omen to the year. This year, instead of my norm, I’ll be spending NYE in a hotel overlooking Times Square with the loves of my life and watching the ball drop from the warmth of the hotel. This has been a bucket list item forever, but this year I’m actually doing it. I may even stop by The Today Show!

I’m starting out my 2023 doing things I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ll be continuing that path throughout the year. To get YOU ready for the new year, I wanted to share 16 habits that you can start building now to make sure that 2023 gives you everything you deserve. We deserve it all!

1. Start focusing on what you already have and live in gratitude.
It’s easy to focus on scarcity. To turn your focus toward what you currently don’t have in your life. In this social media-dominated, hyper-commercial, and filtered society, a state of lack can often get the best of us. But, as Oprah said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Abundance isn’t something you acquire. It’s something you tune into. So, start noticing, focusing on, and truly appreciating what’s currently in your life. This year, I’m going to focus on the people I love, the fact that I’m healthy, and knowing that I’m in charge of where I steer my life. Use affirmations! Wake up and write down or say aloud 5 things you are grateful for each day, and you’ll be surprised at how much you truly have.

2. Start using your imagination for creating.
Imagination is a powerful thing. It can either show you the most catastrophic scenario or allow you to play, explore, and create in your mind. Your imagination can either be your greatest tool in turning your dreams into reality or your greatest roadblock. Use it to create, not destroy. Use it to stir faith, not doubt. Use it to become a force for good, both for yourself and those around you. For example, instead of focusing on everything that could go wrong if you start your own business, imagine how fulfilled you’ll feel and all the people you could help. I always tell my clients to dream big and those dreams are goals that everyone can achieve. What are some of your biggest dreams?

3. Start living in the now.
Often, we live in past or future tense. We get so caught up in what took place or what might happen that we lose sight of what is happening right now. Start living where life actually takes place: here and now. Use your senses to absorb the moment: feeling, hearing, seeing, tasting, and touching what’s around you. Say yes to what you’re doing, no matter how insignificant it might seem. When I go for my morning walks, I like to take it all in. Look at the sky and really take in what’s going on around you.

4. Start ignoring what others are doing.
We don’t grow green grass by focusing on our neighbor’s garden; we do it by nurturing our own. Don’t compare your life to someone’s greatest moment they post on social media. We all know half of what we see is fake anyway. Instead, choose to honor your life by creating, investing in, and caring for it. Keep your eyes on your lane. Stay focused and make every day as great as you can!

5. Start being really honest with yourself.
The only way to change something is to first acknowledge what is. Look at the situation exactly as it is, but not worse than it is. Look your fears, limitations, and blockages right in the eye. What’s working and what isn’t? What do you want to do that scares the crap out of you? Give yourself credit for what’s working and then look at how you can change what isn’t. Look at your triggers and set boundaries with others.

6. Start putting better labels on things.
What glasses are you wearing? The optimistic, fearful, or I-cannot-do-this pair? How we experience life depends on how we choose to look at things. Losing a job can either be a problem or a great opportunity. A breakup can either mean the end of everything, or just the beginning of something new. Label things in a way that empowers you. Turn a traumatic event into a blessing in disguise, a difficult situation into a challenge, and an ending into a new beginning. Be the author of your experiences.

7. Start telling empowering stories.
Building on the previous point, notice what stories are currently running through your life. Maybe it’s about your parents, financial situation, or health condition. The stories we tell define us. Empowering stories create empowering situations. One story I used to tell myself was that “I wasn’t ready” to do things in my business, like launching my coaching business. Once I changed the story to “I’ll do the best I can and learn along the way,” taking action and expanding my comfort zone felt doable. That’s the most rewarding part of what I do. Look at one area of your life you’d like to change. What’s the story you tell yourself about this area? How can you tell a better, more empowering story? I’m actually going to be in the next Women Gone Wild book and I’m doing it — published author box checked. For more information on my coaching business, click here.

8. Start focusing on something greater than you.
In life, we either show up for what we do, how we do it, or why we do it. Having the last one (“the why”) defined is what brings purpose and meaning. What’s your mission? What’s the change you want to see or the reason for pursuing something? Participating in something greater than yourself and being clear on why you’re doing it adds purpose. And if you don’t know what that something greater is yet, make it your mission to find out. For me as everyone knows Africa is my thing. I love volunteering there and I can’t wait to retire there. Knowing why you’re doing things is very important.

9. Start acting like you care about yourself.
Do you truly care about yourself??? Do you act, speak, and treat yourself like the lovable and loving person you are? Because here’s the thing: we cannot give what we don’t have. Just like we need to put our own oxygen mask on first when flying, we need to tend to ourselves first before attending to others. Know that putting yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Look at your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. What do you need more or less of to feel good? Then, make it a priority to care for yourself, so that you can, in-turn give from a genuine place of wholeness.

10. Start trusting that others are doing the best they can.
Trust that everyone is doing the best they can based on their experience, beliefs, and state of being. The person who cuts you off in traffic might be in a rush to get home to a sick loved one. The person who didn’t deliver his project on time might be experiencing heartbreak or loss. The person who was rude to you in the queue might be having a really bad day. You never know what someone else is going through. So, instead of making assumptions, trust that they’re doing the best they can. Lead from a place of compassion, not judgment, and you’ll spare yourself (and others) unnecessary pain, anger, and frustration.

11. Start asking better questions.
Questions like: “What can go wrong?” or “What if I screw up?” won’t have a positive answer. Your mind will go looking for whatever answer you ask for, so start asking wisely. Sure, you can ask those questions to get clear on the worst-case scenario, but then make sure to shift focus. As Tony Robbins said, “Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Instead, try asking questions like “How can I make this a success?” and “How can I find the best solution to this situation?”

12. Start caring about things that actually matter.
If you care too much about things like judgment or criticism, you’ll mostly be stuck and paralyzed. Find things to care more about. For example, do you care more about what others might think or living life true to yourself? Do you care more about negative comments or being a force for good in this world? Don’t numb your care; instead, care more about things that actually matter to you.

13. Start trusting yourself wholeheartedly.
Just like any other relationships, the one with yourself needs to be fueled, nurtured, and taken care of. When you feel curious, intrigued, or excited about something, trust that it’s happening for a reason. When you get red flags about a person or situation, trust that it’s also happening for a reason.

14. Start acting like you trust yourself fully.
Behave like you’re in full connection with your inner self and always guided. The more you act like you trust and believe in yourself, the more that will actualize for you.

15. Start spending time with the right people.
How are the people you spend most time with? Do they give you energy or drain you? Friendships and connections aren’t something static; they’re always in motion. Set a high standard for yourself and choose to only spend time with people you enjoy. Make sure to surround yourself with people that reflect how you want to feel and be, and what you want to do and have. If you don’t have that today, then make space for those people to come into your life.

16. Start taking 100% responsibility for your life.
The first time I heard this, I wasn’t comfortable. Yet, the minute I accepted it, I was empowered. To accept and take full responsibility for all areas of your life (even where you feel behind, mistreated, or wronged) isn’t easy. But, it’s the only way to change them. By taking responsibility, you bring your power back home to where it belongs: to you. So no matter how difficult it might seem, claim full responsibility for your life. You, not someone else, will get you where you want to go.

Start creating the life you want now, why wait 53 more days until January 1st? Also, we just launched our latest Beauty Kitchen bundle the New Year, New You bundle that partners with your workout to give you the toned and smooth skin of your dreams. Link here! Start getting ready for 2023!

XOXO,
Heather