How to change your life in 12 months
without the fear of failing
Have you ever considered changing aspects of your life?
In January we make New Year resolutions regarding what we want to achieve or do differently. If we are honest most of those resolutions don’t last through the first month. To achieve any meaningful change, there is a need for a few twigs in something other than the activity itself.
Set clear outcome
Like everything in life, success is achieved first in the mind. You are always guaranteed success if you can see the end before you start.
The first thing you need to do is capture your outcome.
Get a sheet of paper and write or paint the desired outcome. Be specific about the outcome you want.;
I will lose 12 kg by 31 Dec 2024.
I will make 15000 USD from my writing by 15 Dec 2024.
Be realistic. Set goals that are achievable and can drive you. It’s no use setting a goal you know is ultimately impossible to achieve, that is just setting yourself up for failure.
Visualize: See the end in mind.
Next, see the end in mind. Imagine yourself achieving the goal, imagine how you will feel. Soak in the feeling, the smell, and your body posture. Imagine how you will celebrate the achievements. Try to capture this feeling and every day wake up with this feeling of success. Bask in it every morning before you start your day.
When I discovered this concept I started using it to achieve results. When I needed to get approval or perform an uncomfortable task I visualized the outcome I needed, I visualized every angle that could come from the activity, and how I would feel after achieving my goal.
This gives me an idea of the challenges or outcomes I might face, and help me address these issues before going ahead with the task. I can go into activities more prepared.
Be confident
Being prepared gives you confidence.
You see no one has exclusivity of knowledge. We all know in part. You are unique in your knowledge and skills, so if you want to change anything in the next 12 months, be confident you have the required knowledge and skills to change it.
Do you want to be a published author? You have your voice and experience. Start with your voice, and gain the skill you need to improve it, whether it’s marketing skill, creative writing skill, or grammatical skills, use these skills to enhance your unique style. Ensure you are giving your best. Let this confidence drive you.
Take action -Act despite the fear.
To make any change, you need to put in work. So many times, we keep preparing, getting the right skill, perfecting our pitch, perfecting our plan. There is no place called perfect.
Visualization and upskilling will mean nothing if you don’t act.
A trick I use is to break out my activities into small tasks and tick off as I achieve. The more my ticks, the more confident and driven I get.
A final word. Successful people act in spiteof the fear.
Journal.
Journaling is a great way to change your life in 12 months. Make a daily habit.
Jim Rohn, a best-selling author, said his mentor encouraged him to journal. One day, when you become famous, what you have written over the years will come into play and serve as a resource to help and encourage others.
Want to change your life? Keep a journal. It will help you see how well you have grown and is a catalyst for more growth.
Find a cause that you like and start supporting it.
Imagine you plant a tree today. How would it be in 12 months?
We talk about the changing weather conditions, rising inflation, carbon emissions, etc. There is so much going on in our world that we complain about but do nothing. If today you look for a public issue that you would like to change and join the movement, support with your time or financial resources, and be dedicated to it, there will be no greater feeling of satisfaction than seeing that cause grow or how you will grow from a selfless service.
This feeling can change your life.
Take time to celebrate your wins.
My daughter has been experiencing anxiety issues approaching deadlines in school. What I realized was that she always raised the bar for herself. Once she achieves a goal, she does not rest or celebrate; instead, she picks up another and sets a shorter period to complete it.
While challenging ourselves is good, we need to appreciate what we have achieved.
We had to change her mindset from anxiety to gratitude. We agreed to pause and celebrate every success. And this worked. Her anxiety level reduced, and she was able to complete her studies in good time.
Celebration releases a happy hormone that reduces stress and anxiety. It can be as simple as cooking a meal you love or hanging out with a friend. Learn to celebrate your success. It will help you achieve more.
Love and respect yourself.
Start loving and respecting yourself more. Take time to look at yourself in the mirror and truly see yourself.
Most of us look in the mirror every time, but we do not see ourselves. We see the makeup, and the smile, but not the being within. Take time every day to look at yourself, gaze into your eyes and see yourself, appreciate you, and tell yourself that you love and respect you. And mean it. And work hard at making it real.
So starting today, eat the right things, choose the healthier choice, and what will make you be loved and respected. It is the best feeling of self-worth you can have.
In conclusion
Changing your life does not require a massive overhaul of who you are. Your past experiences have made you who you are today. If you follow the steps above you will discover you can become the best version for you and have fun doing so.
Thank you for reading.
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