7 Things to do differently in 2015 by @SandraDawes

by Sandra Dawes | Featured Contributor

We’re past the half-way mark of the first month of the New Year (!). I hope you’re year is off to a fantastic start. If you’ve already encountered some setbacks, have no fear – it’s never too late to start over. Every day is a chance for a fresh start, a new beginning. Here are seven things to consider doing differently this year.

1. Taking things personally

   It’s not always about you. Even when it is, it isn’t. Does it make you feel good? If not, stop doing it and try another approach.

2. Comparing yourself to others, professionally and/or personally

   Yes, there are a lot of people who have figured out how to work from their laptop on a beach somewhere warm. If it motivates you, that’s a good thing. If it makes you feel less than or unworthy, quit doing it. Focus on your own growth and development.

3. Putting the needs of others before your own

   We’ve all been reminded that we should treat life like we’re told to handle emergency situations on a plane. Take care of yourself before you take care of others. If you’re not good, then you can’t be of real use to anyone else anyway!

4. Multitasking

   There was a time when I glorified multitasking. “Look at me! I can do 20 things at the same time!” I’ve come to the realization that focusing on one thing at a time actually works better. The quality of work improves, and so does productivity. Multitasking can leave a lot “almost” done, but not quite.

5. Maintaining the status quo
   
   If change doesn’t normally excite you, it may be time to embrace it. Doing things the way you’ve always done them is just going to get you more of the same, or less. Challenge yourself to change things up this year in at least one area of your life – business or pleasure.

6. Making excuses

   When we want something bad enough, we find a way to make it happen. When it really isn’t that important to us, we find excuses to justify our inaction. Set goals that are meaningful and relevant to you and commit to them. If you’re looking for an excuse not to do something, you’ll find it. Make this a year of action and progress. You don’t want to find yourself in the exact same position, or worse next year, do you?

7. Playing small

   It’s time to pull out those big hairy audacious goals that you’ve been thinking about for a while, but thought could never be possible. You can achieve anything you put your mind to. It’s not just a saying, it’s the truth. Make this the year that you step into your greatness and make those dreams you’ve been talking about for years a reality. Think about how it will impact your life and the life of those around you and just do it!

I’m planning to practice what I preach this year and take my own advice in these seven areas. If you have other ideas or things that you’re committing to doing differently this year, I would love to hear them!

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Sandra Dawes is a recovering control freak and excuse maker, as well as founder of Embrace Your Destiny, her life coaching practice. Her work involves teaching women how to stop making arguing for their limitations so that they can create the life that they want. Sandra’s inspiration to help others in this area comes from her own journey and experiences in dealing with the heartbreak of losing her father. She published her first book Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve, a story that outlines her personal journey, in November 2013.

In her down time, Sandra loves to read, do yoga and spend time with her partner Satnam and their dog Lulu. For more information on what she does, visit www.embraceyourdestiny.ca.

Sandra Dawes

Sandra Dawes is a recovering control freak and excuse maker, as well as founder of Embrace Your Destiny, her life coaching practice. Her work involves teaching women how to stop arguing for their limitations so that they can create the life that they want. Sandra’s inspiration to help others in this area comes from her own journey and experiences in dealing with the heartbreak of losing her father. She published her first book Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve, a story that outlines her personal journey, in November 2013.

In her down time, Sandra loves to read, do yoga and spend time with her partner Satnam and their dog Lulu. For more information on what she does, visit sandradawes.com.