By By Ogunbowale Tolulope Sobiye
It’s a celebration season, a period known for its newness. As the calendar turns to January, the idea of a “new year” can feel exciting. Does anything truly become new? The month changes, so does the day, yet our lives often stay similar. Though, the new year offers something significant stressing that newness is not automatic but created.
A new perspective can be created, what changes is not our situation but how we see it. If you feel tired of your job or need an additional source of income, refrain from saying “I need a new job now” to “I’ll explore one new skill this year.” Try to discover what interests you, get an aid to achieving such skill and be consistent . This change in mindset creates a gradual newness.
Cultivate new habits and not just goals. Big goals fade without small, repeatable and consistent habits. It’s good to aim big but always start from or from anywhere. It’s better to have a rough and childish start than waiting to start big. Instead of “I’ll save more”, set an automatic transfer of a small amount to savings every day , week or month. Once the month ends, review unnecessary spending and cut one expense. This insignificant but consistent action builds real change over time.
Another thing to aim at this new year is making new productive connections and reduce your connection with those relationships that pull you back. New year is a great time to connect with others and yourself.
Example: Contact one old friend monthly just to check in, it helps rekindle good old memories that can be used in the new year. Join a local or online group about a hobby or your career. For self connection, be more intentional about what you want to achieve, love and value yourself more but be considerate of others.
Learning something new refreshes your mind. Pick one skill to learn in 15 minutes daily like basic phrases in a new language or a simple recipe. The goal isn’t mastery but staying curious and engaged.
Newness also comes from releasing what no longer helps you or adds value to your existence. Remove unnecessary items from your phone, wardrobe or worries. Donate unworn clothes, delete unused apps or write down a concern and throw it away. Also, learn to say “no” to commitments that drains your energy or costs you, your peace.
Newness is a choice. A new year doesn’t magically change things but it reminds us we can choose to act differently. It tells us to continue with what we have been doing right and encourages us not to get discouraged but always take just one bold step. True newness comes from small but intentional shift in thought, habit and focus. A friend once told me that the success achieved in a new year has been planned and probably in motion in the previous year, so, start with one change, a new thought, habit or connection and let it grow through the year. Take more risks this year and be a little aggressive but focused towards your success.
Cheers to creating your own newness, one day at a time. It’s an amazing and fulfilling new year for us.
