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.
- Taking things personallyIt’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.
- Comparing yourself to others, professionally and/or personallyYes, 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.
- Putting the needs of others before your ownWe’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!
- MultitaskingThere 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.
- 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.
- Making excusesWhen 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?
- Playing smallIt’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 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.
6 Replies to “7 Things to do differently in 2015 by @SandraDawes”
Christine Beasley Singing Teacher
It’s a good time to reflect on any new goals you may set for 2015. I’ve been encouraging people to try something new like starting singing lessons which can be great for confidence and health. I am a singing teacher of course, but any goals that you may have, or dreams that you have been putting off, just take the first step and see where it leads.
Candice
Excellent post! The last three points are some things I want to really focus on this year!
Ruthanne
…BTW, I couldn’t pin the image from this post to my pinboard. Thought you’d want to know.
Sandra Dawes[ Post Author ]
Hmmm… That I’m not sure about – Pinterest is one of the things I want to get a better handle on in 2015! 😉
Ruthanne
Thanks so much for the seven points. I’m generally fairly good at these, but this year I’ll work to do even better.
Sandra Dawes[ Post Author ]
Thanks Ruthanne! Writing this was a great reminder for me as well 🙂
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