So, my blog has been MIA for a hot minute, niggling in the backseat of my mind like my relentless middle child begging for more chocolate (seriously, anyone else haunted by the ghost of Christmas advent calendars?). In the perpetual juggling act of life, I knew that I desperately needed to pen down another blog, but as October gracefully transitioned into November and the festive whirlwind of Christmas and all that comes with it, began its approach, I just couldn't find that mental space or summon the necessary energy to put words to screen. It's not for lack of desire; rather, it was the ever-expanding to-do list and the holiday hustle that hijacked my mental real estate. As much as I wanted to add another chapter to the blogosphere, the gravitational pull of holiday chaos proved too formidable a force to resist.
But as I was out with girlfriends a couple of nights ago, the mental load of Christmas dissipated somewhat (yip, I totally know it was the prosecco, but let’s not split hairs) and I felt free to write again.
So, it may not be long, but it is here none the less. Short and sweet, and a nod to my former life as a teacher in its format- my final blog for 2023. My hope is that you can grab some of these ideas and strategies (if you haven't already) or create your own using this super simple template to ensure you create maximum positive effect for your life and/or career in 2024.
KEEP: Keep surrounding yourself with top tier people. Hold tight to those who uplift and celebrate you, who effortlessly align with your essence, those remarkable individuals who whose company enhances your well-being, leaving you in an improved state than when you first arrived. Those who stand unwaveringly, offering support, cheers of encouragement, challenges for growth, and, when success is attained, a generous pour of celebratory bubbles.
(If you haven’t found these people yet, be relentless in your pursuit of them. Join a team, club, pursue a random passion, connect in ways you haven’t in the past. Nothing changes, if nothing changes, be prepared to do things differently for a different outcome - your future self will thank you for it)
STOP: Stop doubting yourself and putting a glass ceiling on your potential, your dreams and your desires. Bid farewell to the incessant self -doubt spurred by your brain's negative bias, and instead, attune yourself to the whispers of intuition—the true superpower residing within you. Trust the intuitive whispers, they are the ones that hold the key to a narrative that celebrates your unique brilliance. Be brave, listen with curiosity and speak your dreams and aspirations out loud so you’re accountable to them. If you can’t do this yourself, or just don’t know where to start – ask for help and/or guidance. Invest in yourself, believe in yourself, you won’t regret it.
START: Start the process of ruthless prioritisation for both your mental and physical well-being. It's time to give yourself permission to gracefully decline engagements that fail to refill your cup or deplete your precious energy reserves. When confronted with new requests, take a strategic pause and sketch out a mind map detailing your current commitments. Assess whether adding this new responsibility or task is feasible without tipping the stress scale, and if so, identify what needs to be shed from your to-do list to create the necessary space. Cease the habit of adding new tasks to an already overloaded agenda; instead, meticulously prioritise what can wait, what can be shared, or what can be delegated to others, even within your family and what does not make it onto your list at all. Through this disciplined practice of ruthless prioritisation, not only can we sharpen our focus but also alleviate the mental load associated with an excess of open mental tabs.
So, there it is, my 'Keep, Stop, Start' list to kickstart a freaken awesome 2024 filled with positivity and productivity. Embrace the New Year and all the potential it holds.
Wishing you all happy and restful Christmas and New Years filled with laughter, great company and plenty of festive spirit.
Paula x
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