Making Meaningful Changes in the New Year Without Changing Who You Are

By: Amos Sullivan, SunServe Life Coach – Youth & Family Services. With contributions from: John Marler, SunServe – Dir. of Communications

Making changes in your life for the New Year is a terrific way to improve your overall well-being, but it is essential not to redefine who you are in the process. Many people make the mistake of thinking that to change their lives for the better, they must completely overhaul their identities. This is not true – in fact, it can be counterproductive. In this edition of “Ask Amos,” we will identify key areas of life to focus on while creating a plan to make improvements (Photo by cottonbro studio).

The first question of 2023 comes from Courtney in Fort Lauderdale. Courtney asked Amos, “What advice would you give someone that always seems to abandon their ‘new year, new me’ resolution without adopting any meaningful changes in their life?”

Courtney, I appreciate this question and want you to know you are not alone when it comes to “resolution fails.” If you want to make fundamental and lasting changes, make minor tweaks to your routine and outlook. Identify the areas of your life that you are not happy with and find ways to change them gradually over time. Do not try to do too much at once or force yourself into a new persona – be patient and let things evolve naturally. In short, do not worry about who you are – focus on what you can become.

Remember, the best way to make lasting change is by taking small steps rather than drastic leaps. You do not need to redefine yourself to move towards your goals – be willing to grow and evolve. You can achieve anything this year with effort, patience, and perseverance.

These are the five most talked about aspects of life people wish to change for the New Year:

Physical Health: One practical way to improve your physical health is to start a regular exercise routine. This could include going for jogs or walks and working out with weights or machines at the Practicing yoga or Pilates are also great forms of exercise that can help you build strength, flexibility, and balance.

Mental Health: Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting inner peace and clarity of mind. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation and you would like to speak to someone, SunServe has a team of Mental Healthcare Professionals that can listen. Do not hesitate to contact them for no-cost care today, by phone at (954) 764-5150, via email info@sunserve.org, or online www.sunserve.org/contact.

All contact is private and confidential, and no person is turned away for any reason.

Social Connections: Nurturing meaningful relationships with family members and friends is an essential part of life that should never be overlooked or taken for granted. Being available for loved ones regularly by engaging in conversations about shared interests is one fantastic way to strengthen social connections; another is by simply lending an attentive ear whenever someone needs someone else to talk things through without judgment or interference from outside sources.

Professional Growth: Investing in yourself professionally by taking courses, attending seminars, and reading up on industry trends are excellent ways to enhance professional growth over time. Networking with other professionals in your fields can also open new opportunities that may lead to career advancement.

Financial Stability: Setting up a budget can help you take charge of your finances and plan for the future. Allocating money each month towards savings or investments is one surefire way to increase financial stability in the long Additionally, finding ways to cut unnecessary expenses – like reducing food waste or switching off appliances when not in use – can make all the difference in managing your finances effectively.

Create a plan for yourself and stick to it. Celebrate and practice gratitude often. Congratulate yourself, even for the small victories as they come. Your life will have changed at the pace you determine works best for you instead of chasing an unattainable goal set arbitrarily.

Good luck on your journey to a better life this year! Remember, you do not have to reimagine yourself to make changes – be willing to grow and evolve. With the right effort and dedication, you can achieve any goal that you set for yourself. Have faith in yourself and take it one day at a time. Here is wishing you all the best on your 2023 self- improvement journey! Happy New Year!

Thank you for reading this edition of “Ask Amos.” If you would like to send me your question for future articles, please email it to AskAmos@SunServe.org. If we choose your question, you will receive a gift card to a local South Florida business. Until next time folks, stay happy, healthy, and well.