The change of month is upon us. January is a curious month, it might mean new beginnings, a time for reflection on the past year and planning for the year ahead and many people focus on health and fitness, making positive lifestyle changes. For others this can be an uncomfortable month with bills to pay, even unexpected ones (thank you website) and trying to get back into the groove. January can feel anticlimactic and sometimes depressing. The pressure to stick to New Year’s resolutions can lead to disappointment if they are not maintained.
You may be feeling good riddance…
As we bid farewell to January and welcome February, it’s a great time to reflect on our journey and embrace new beginnings again with the month of love. And talking of love, focus on what you love doing. And of course February 14th, is a day of love and romance where people express affection to their partners, friends, and family. I know it’s commercialised but go with it. I’m sending myself cards from the furry ones.
Whatever you feel about transitions, they can significantly impact your mindset and well-being. But while there might be challenges, there are also opportunities as we bid farewell to the old and embrace the new. February can bring the first signs of spring, symbolising renewal and new life.
Embracing this is especially true as January is often seen as a time of resolution and renewal, with many people making resolutions and setting new goals for the year ahead. But losing motivation and becoming discouraged can be easy as the month closes. I read somewhere that most people have lost the goal plot by the 2nd week of February and subsequently find it hard to refocus. If that’s you, I highly recommend doing your Feb Wheel Of Life now, revising your goals, or even binning the ones you made by mistake. This will help you to create more balance in your life again.
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
I didn’t make resolutions, but I did set some important goals. One was to transition my full book coaching to helping people create transformational journals (still in the planning stage) and to focus on my health after seven weeks of the lurgy.
As not-so-good luck would have it, I got through the lurgy, with just a few aches. 2 week later coughed and pulled a muscle, ending my new stretching routine. It’s a bit ouchy.
I felt like a failure…
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
Henry Ford.
But what I failed to see until I got out my trusty journal was all the work I had put in to declutter to create the right space. I went beyond and almost decluttered my entire house. My wardrobe is even colour-coordinated.
In addition, I started to edit my Plan Your Non-Fiction Book, ready for a relaunch. I wanted to add AI tools and teach how to use the process to create content-rich journals. I also created new content for self-love, including an 8-day challenge and some new journals. So, all in all, I think I am doing okay.
Reflection and Reassessment
So, no matter where you are start by reflecting on January. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small, and understand the areas where you faced challenges. Use this insight to reassess your goals for February. Are your goals still aligned with your vision? If not, it’s okay to adjust them. Look at the Life Audit Journal or Accountability Coaching if you need support with your goals.
- What are the three key things I learned about myself in January?
- What areas did I grow the most, and how can I build on this in February?
Embrace The Progress
Embracing progress is about recognising and celebrating even the smallest steps you’ve taken. So, message to me and possibly for you acknowledge the progress you’ve made in January. Whether it’s sticking to your goals, learning a new skill, or simply getting through the month, every step counts – starting with the first one. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This recognition fuels your motivation and sets a positive tone for February.
- List three accomplishments I achieved in January, no matter how small.
- How did these achievements make me feel, and how can they propel me into February?
Set Realistic Expectations
As we move into February, it’s essential to set realistic expectations (another message to me). Setting realistic expectations involves acknowledging that meaningful change is a gradual process.
Often, we start the year with high ambitions, but it’s important to remember that real change takes time. Adjust your goals if needed, making them more attainable and less overwhelming. And don’t forget to chunk them down. This approach reduces stress and increases the likelihood of success.
- What are some high ambitions I set for this year that might need adjusting?
- How can I redefine my goals to make them more realistic and attainable in February?
Refocus Your Goals
As February comes in, I can see the blossom on the almond trees, and despite the buzzing of the bees (they give a nasty sting), I feel hopeful. I feel a renewed sense of energy and excitement in the air. I’ll be harnessing this energy to stay focused and motivated as I continue to work towards my goals. And so can you. I may even be able to take my mat outside once the pulled muscle pain goes.
However, I believe that while we need to focus, we also need to chill and let things flow. Trying to control stuff can be detrimental to what you want to achieve.
- What new or renewed energy do I feel as February begins?
- How can I use this energy to refine and focus on my goals?
Focus On Your Strengths
Challenging negative self-talk and focusing on your strengths . Think of times in the past when you have used your strengths to get something done. Remembering these can help to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards a more positive and empowering mindset. I’m a massive fan of the Clifton Strengths Finder, and a tool like this will support that focus.
Sometimes, others see strengths in us that we overlook. Ask friends, family, colleagues, or mentors for their observations. What do they think you are particularly good at? Surround yourself with people and environments that support and encourage the use of your strengths.
- What are my key strengths, and how have they helped me recently?
- How can I transform negative self-talk into positive affirmations based on these strengths?
Celebrate Yourself
One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.
Iris Murdoch
Celebrating yourself is a powerful way to boost your confidence and overall well-being. The act of celebrating yourself, even for small achievements, is an important step in nurturing self-confidence and happiness. Identifying these accomplishments and planning rewards can be a delightful and motivating exercise. That’ll be cake for me.
- What are some small victories or achievements I’ve had recently?
- What enjoyable reward can I give myself to celebrate these accomplishments?
Cultivating Positivity and Gratitude
Maintaining a positive mindset and practising gratitude can profoundly impact the change over of the months. Start or end each day by listing things you’re grateful for. This practice helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
- What are five things I am grateful for today?
- How can I bring more positivity into my daily routine?
Take a look at the Gratitude Habit Journal.
Embracing Change and Flexibility
Be open to change and flexible with your plans. Sometimes, the path to our goals requires us to adapt and embrace new strategies. We need to seriously consider going with the flow sometimes.
- What changes can I embrace this month that will bring me closer to my goals?
- Where do I need to be more flexible in my approach?
Self-Care and Wellness
Never underestimate the power of self-care or self-love as we move into the month of love. Ensure that you are taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. A well-balanced life is important and good for the soul.
- What self-care practices can I incorporate into my daily routine?
- How can I better balance work, life, and personal well-being?
Start journaling
Journaling can be a simple and effective way to prioritise your self-care. It can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Start small with just a few minutes a day, and see how it can positively impact your life. I love journaling for the clarity and insight I get.
Time To Talk Day
Time to Talk Day is an important annual event highlighting the importance of supporting mental health. The day reminds us that listening to those around us can make a huge difference in their lives and help promote positive mental health and well-being.
It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget the importance of connecting with others. But simply taking a few minutes to listen to someone who is struggling can have a profound impact on their mental health. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or co-worker, offering a listening ear can help to ease their burden and provide a much-needed source of support.
Listening also helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health by showing people that it’s okay to talk about their feelings and seek help when needed. This can be especially important for anyone struggling, as it can be difficult to reach out for help when they feel ashamed or embarrassed about what is happening.
I was certainly glad of a listening ear when I pulled the muscle and couldn’t do what I had planned. Though I could have done with a mobile hug service as well.
By listening and allowing others the space to talk, we can create a more supportive and inclusive society better equipped to address mental health concerns. This can have a far-reaching impact, as people who feel heard and supported are more likely to feel confident in seeking help and making positive changes in their lives.
Not Only That, February Is Self-Esteem Month
The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.
Mark Twain
Self-Esteem Month is an important annual event highlighting the importance of self-worth and believing in oneself. During February, I would like to invite you to take a step back reflect on your self-esteem and identify ways to improve your sense of self-worth. Not beating yourself up for not getting done what you said you would is a great start.
In the past, I struggled with self-esteem and self-worth. I even ‘stole’ my MBA dissertation from the library because I felt I wasn’t good enough.
Lots of people feel the same way. They may also feel they lack the skills and abilities necessary to succeed. This can lead to a vicious cycle of negative self-talk and self-doubt, keeping us from reaching our full potential.
Finally
The transition from January to February is not just about changing dates on a calendar; it’s about taking stock of where we are and where we want to be. It’s a time to embrace new beginnings (again) and to continue the journey towards our goals with renewed energy and focus. Keep believing in yourself, stay committed to your growth, and remember that every small step counts.
Your journey towards greatness continues. Embrace it with open arms.