Simply Beaming: New Year, New Beginning

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”

― Taylor Swift

It is crazy to think we are already into the new year! Since we had started this blog only a few months back, we have really begun to envision new goals for this coming year. One of the best things about celebrating a new year is the opportunity for a new beginning. Celebrating the new year is unlike any other celebration. While reflecting on the past, you begin to see a new outlook for your future. It's amazing to step back and be able to see all of the different changes you have made in your life in just a short year!

A new year gives you the opportunity for a fresh start towards a better you. Setting new goals and striving to reach new heights. Why do we do this?....Set goals with the risk of not achieving them and by the end of the year we are left with regret and disappointment? Well, setting goals simply gives you the opportunity for a new perspective....seeing that there is hope for a new YOU, a new life, a new relationship, etc! It is such a powerful thing to know that your journey is unique and like no other. With that said, What does your journey look like?

How do you start the process of understanding how to obtain the new goals or changing previous ones that were unattainable last year? Here are a few simple tips that have helped us achieve our goals....

1. Setting yourself up for success- Set measurable attainable goals. You don't have to try to reach the for the highest peak, but it's okay to venture outside your comfort zone. Keep in mind, that your goals are for your own personal benefit and satisfaction. You are the one that will put in the work to obtain that goal, so it is important to remember that you are making the change for you and not for others. Also, nothing has to be set in stone, life is constantly changing and sometimes you have to rework your goals to accommodate those changes. Don't get discouraged, reset your plans, and keep moving forward.

2. Start journaling- By simply writing ideas and thoughts out on paper, you are able to get a better understanding of what you are trying accomplish. Make lists, set times and dates, be specific and detailed.

3. Accountability- It is nice to know who around you has the same goals, because then you are able to add in the accountability factor. Since Kelli and I are both wanting to have a more healthy lifestyle, we can encourage each other and talk with each other about our successes and struggles. It makes it easier to see a positive outlook if you have someone that is cheering you on.

4. Make it a lifestyle- Beyond the fact that it is a goal, what you are hoping to accomplish has to be a lifestyle change. You can change anything that you want to, but if you want a permanent result, you have to make it a permanent change. Life can throw you many curve balls, and we all have made excuses as to why we have not done something. The more you make it a habit, the easier it becomes to stick to it, and the better chances you have to reaching that goal. It is important to remember is that it takes at least a month to make something a habit!

5. Reward yourself- Give yourself a shout out! You hit that milestone and are reaching for the next, you go girl!! If you don't reward yourself, you will find it hard to keep the drive and motivation. Simple rewards throughout your journey will give you that little push to keep on keeping on! The important thing is to not get carried away. Make sure you are making conscious decisions that will help you stay on track.....what is a good reward to give yourself that won't cause you to back track, but instead keep you motivated?

Whatever your goal...don't forget to enjoy the journey!