It’s 2024 - Now what?

For me, the start of the year is filled with excitement and anticipation of what is yet to come. But at the same time, this buildup of a new year, new beginnings, new opportunities also creates in me unrealistic expectations and a slight feeling of disappointment. I have to remind myself that Rome was not built in day and that everything takes time. Time for people to get into the year. Time for people to get back to work. Time to gain clarity on the next steps. And while everything is settling and slowly plodding on there are so many thoughts and ideas on how to make this year the best year yet that it can feel underwhelming and overwhelming at the same time.?

?When I look back on last year (which, I must share was an outstanding year - not without a few challenges),?I would liken it to a Jimmy slowly but steadily climbing a steep hill… Once I reached the top, the ride down was fast, fun, and exciting.?

?We can plan, set goals, create blueprints, and do everything we believe will create financial freedom, abundance and success, but even when we are super prepared, things will inevitably not go as planned. There will always be potholes, road blocks, flat tyres and other littles “oopsies” along the way. The only difference from year to year is the intensity and frequency of these challenges.?

?Maybe this sounds familiar? Maybe you can relate and you’re also thinking – what now? How is this year going to be better than the last? To me there really is only one thing we can all do, that will have the biggest impact. And that is to shift our mindset.?

?If you are like me, and your mind works overtime, thinking, worrying, analysing and questioning everything,?you’ll know that this can quickly lead to anxiety which makes clear, rational and calm thought near-impossible. But clear and rational thought is needed to properly plan, set goals and make things happen.?

?I have always battled to keep a regular mindful meditation practice, but this year, as part of my mental health practice I have committed to ten minutes of daily meditation (even ten minutes has been proven to make a significant difference to stress and anxiety). I am not suggesting everyone start a regular meditation practice as part of managing their mental health, but what I am suggesting is looking for ways to manage your mind. Because no matter what happens, everything starts in the mind. And we may not have a clear idea of where the year will lead or what bumps in the road we might encounter, but we owe it to ourselves to start the year with the right mindset.

https://shift1degree.com/