As another year draws to a close it is customary to start thinking of what your New Year’s resolution will be. We usually state some big plan, hope or dream – often in an unplanned or spontaneous moment simply because that’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Well not entirely. As a life coach, I’m all for writing down our goals, it gives them clarity, structure and a measure - if they are written well. However, let’s not underestimate the power of reflection over what we can be grateful for in the year that is just ending.
Reminiscing on past positive experiences evokes those associated positive emotions all over again. It boosts our mood just thinking about past good times. Importantly, it also reinforces a positive perspective of all the good that we have in our lives. Our brains natural bias is to latch hold of what is wrong or bad, so by being intentional about remembering the good, we create a more balanced and realistic perspective on our lives.
I invite you to pause for one moment right now and reflect on the good times in 2014. What went well? Who was good to you? What did you achieve? Think on both a macro and micro level. As an example, I am so grateful that my children enjoy being active and participate in many sports (macro), and a real highlight was watching two of my children running a 100m race representing their state (micro). Or how grateful I am to be a Life Coach to assist people to grow and flourish (macro), and getting to witness many breakthrough moments with clients in one-on-one discussions is an absolute privilege (micro).
Take a moment now to think about your big and small best moments in 2014. Re-live the feelings that were inside you at those moments. Be grateful that you had those times. The research tell us that in doing this we can become more cheerful, more motivated, have better sense of meaning and purpose in life, higher self-esteem and less prone to depression[1]. This may suggest that instead of stating a random resolution on New Year’s Eve, you could gain more benefit from reminiscing on the all the good that came from 2014. If you make this positive reflection a daily habit you might just set yourself up for the best year ever. So if you still feel the need to set a resolution, consider making a commitment to daily gratitude for all that went well in each day. That might be the best boost you could give yourself towards an amazing 2015. Happy New Year.
[1] Studies from University of Southampton by psychologist Tim Wildschut
Reminiscing on past positive experiences evokes those associated positive emotions all over again. It boosts our mood just thinking about past good times. Importantly, it also reinforces a positive perspective of all the good that we have in our lives. Our brains natural bias is to latch hold of what is wrong or bad, so by being intentional about remembering the good, we create a more balanced and realistic perspective on our lives.
I invite you to pause for one moment right now and reflect on the good times in 2014. What went well? Who was good to you? What did you achieve? Think on both a macro and micro level. As an example, I am so grateful that my children enjoy being active and participate in many sports (macro), and a real highlight was watching two of my children running a 100m race representing their state (micro). Or how grateful I am to be a Life Coach to assist people to grow and flourish (macro), and getting to witness many breakthrough moments with clients in one-on-one discussions is an absolute privilege (micro).
Take a moment now to think about your big and small best moments in 2014. Re-live the feelings that were inside you at those moments. Be grateful that you had those times. The research tell us that in doing this we can become more cheerful, more motivated, have better sense of meaning and purpose in life, higher self-esteem and less prone to depression[1]. This may suggest that instead of stating a random resolution on New Year’s Eve, you could gain more benefit from reminiscing on the all the good that came from 2014. If you make this positive reflection a daily habit you might just set yourself up for the best year ever. So if you still feel the need to set a resolution, consider making a commitment to daily gratitude for all that went well in each day. That might be the best boost you could give yourself towards an amazing 2015. Happy New Year.
[1] Studies from University of Southampton by psychologist Tim Wildschut
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