Each year at this time I think about what’s going to be improved on, changed or abandoned in how I approach my work. Each year I come back to this post which I originally wrote years ago, updated and re-published here:

Seven points for a Happy Year

Have you noticed how the mismatch between words and the actions?

We shout “Happy New Year” from the rooftops, yet privately look back with regret, and forward with pessimism.

Of course, it is natural to regret what is lost or missed out on, and negativity, used well, can be useful (see my post on negative thinking), but if you want to give yourself of really having a happy and prosperous year it helps to think differently.

Here are my Seven Points for a Happy New Year:

As you look back over the past year, think about what went right for you
Identify one high point in each month so you get a list of 12 high points
Separately, find five things you have done in last year that you are proud of
Ask a trusted friend or family member what they think you have achieved during the year
Take time to review all this data and ask yourself what most gives you a sense of enjoyment and achievement
Create new year’s resolutions around doing more of what makes you feel good
Train your mind by setting aside time to think about how to create a Happy New Year, practice daily.

Retrain your mind

That which we focus on becomes our reality. You will probably find that your mind tends to review the bad stuff like what it sees as failures and shortcomings. Train it to think differently and you’ll start to feel different.

I know that the past year has been tough on a lot of people. Some will continue to be depressed about it and with luck prove themselves right by continuing to think like that. Others will decide to do something different, change their mindset, and look forward with confidence to a genuinely Happy New Year.

By the way, you can use this at any time of the year to help with focus or motivation. When is New Year anyway? There are several options.

My Best Wishes for the New Year, whenever it is for you.

I’m a psychologist, coach, and therapist. All my work is aimed at enabling people to improve personal aspects of their lives and work.

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"Train your mind to look for your successes. They are happening all the time, you just have to look for them."
"We only develop greater resilience when we are deeply emotionally connected to other people."
"If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right".
"Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should, nor that you have to".
"Simplify your life and work to be content. That will create the space for you to notice the joy. It's always there if you look."
“Personal Change Begins In The Imagination. You Have To Imagine It Before You Can Become It, Whatever ‘It’ Is”

3 Comments

Hilary January 1, 2017 at 11:52 amLog in to Reply

Oops, could do with an update from its 2012 standpoint. Shows I read it though – like it otherwise.
- Barry Winbolt January 1, 2017 at 12:11 pmLog in to Reply
  
  My Oops! Thanks Hilary. Happy New Year.
curlydogs11Sue January 1, 2017 at 6:20 pmLog in to Reply

Yes, I saw the 2012 too – but your advice applies to any year. And yes, I like the advice. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions – they always set me up for failure. But I do always try to improve my education, my way of thinking and acting, and being “real”. The reality of it is that every year will hold success and disappointments. I try to see the success’s with humility and learn from the disappointments. For me, my own personal growth is what makes a great year – I can’t change what happened last year, I can only learn from it. I can’t change the world (if only) but I can change myself, I can promote kindness, if only one person appreciates that then maybe they will learn from it and pass it on…maybe that can change the world!