NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

It’s a chance to start over with a clean slate, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to rewrite your story on your terms?

the pandemic and the uncertainty that arose from it affirmed that the only constant thing in life is change. The world continues to shift, and we need reevaluate and ask ourselves difficult questions: Who did I miss during the lockdown, and why? What did I miss? What did I learn to live without? Your answers will give you a good idea as to what you value in life, says Joburg-based life coach, Sharon Piel, who further notes that 2020 was a year of clarity for most people. You may be entering the new year with a newfound respect for things you may have taken for granted before the pandemic, or perhaps you’ve realised there are things you need to leave behind, such as toxic patterns, environments or even people. If you’re wondering how you can reinvent yourself and cultivate a positive outlook in the new year, Sharon offers the following advice.

Surround yourself with positive energy

It’s OK to feel despondent considering everything that’s happened this year. To avoid carrying negative energy into the new year, try to focus on the present and surround yourself with positive energy. Now, more than ever, you must surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, are a positive influence, support you and your goals and have your best interests at heart.

Seek out new opportunities

If you’re working in a toxic environment, for example, starting over could mean finding another job, or thinking of creative ways to earn an income to put food on the table. If you look around, you might even be able to identify gaps in the market and start your own business. Working from home may be a blessing for some, but for others, a controlling boss who tries to micro-manage his or her employees may leave you feeling discouraged and disengaged. Perhaps it’s time to look at other opportunities such as consulting or becoming an entrepreneur.

Reevaluate your circle

Ask yourself, who are the people I couldn’t live without during the pandemic? The ones who’ve kept you sane during the lockdown and are always there for you. On the other hand, ask yourself if there are people in your life who bring you down with their negativity or ridicule you for your dreams and ambitions because those are people you may want to let go. If they’re a member of your family, try to minimise the amount of time you spend with them. As much as you can, let go of negative thoughts, toxic people and situations, entering the new year with a positive growth mindset and resilient attitude.

“You must be clear about who and what’s important to you, so you can invest your time wisely”

See your glass as half-full

Despite what 2021 throws at you, strive to reach your goals and aspirations. Stay focused on them. People will help and support you in your endeavours. Reach out to your network. Be willing to help other people too, where you can, and make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

If there’s one lesson we can learn from 2020, it’s that life’s fragile. To make the most of your time here, you must be clear about who and what’s important to you, so you can invest your time wisely. May you set the intention to be the best version of yourself, and live a life of impact as you endeavour to show up for yourself and let go of the things that no longer serve you this year.