Have you noticed that there’s just a little emotional lull after the excitement of the Holidays? Maybe it’s the thought of putting away all those decorations or perhaps it’s the reality of jumping back into the regular routine of life. Whether or not you experience a little January blues, there are certain steps we can take to begin the new year with a positive perspective.
Pray – Starting each day, devoting your work, your family, your activities, and your concerns to God can create a sense of both peace and strength. Praying reminds us that we are not alone. We have a Heavenly Father who sees us, loves us, and cares for us. He comforts us through the storms of life and calms our hearts amid confusion. He guides us in making wise decisions. Praying, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, helps us maintain an eternal focus and reminds us of His presence.
Plan – Creating a plan for the year directs us and keeps us focused. It allows us to feel purposeful as we start our year. Certainly, we cannot plan out every little detail, and we know that all too often plans will change. But plans give us a sense of direction and allow us to think about where we are headed. Start your planning by looking back at the past year – what worked, what didn’t work and what can you do differently? Then consider what you want to accomplish in the coming year mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and work-wise. Revisit these goals at the first of each month to help you stay on target.
Push Forward – Positive change doesn’t just randomly happen, we must take decisive steps to move in a new direction. If you want to spend more time with certain people, then you have to be deliberate about reaching out to them. If you are feeling lonely, push forward and find a place to volunteer and serve. Volunteering often opens new doors to meeting people and helps you feel more purposeful in life. If you want to be better about finances, put together a budget and set a regular time when you will review your financial statements and budget. Pushing forward means getting out of our comfort zone and choosing to take actionable steps.
Pray, plan, and push forward – three simple concepts that can help us have a positive perspective for the new year. Stay hopeful and stay connected to both God and others. And remember, “There’s more in store in 2024!”
Check out my new book, Positive Connectivity.
Steps Photo by Robin Schreiner on Unsplash