Birthday blues?
Birthdays are just another day, nothing really changes, but why do they have such a psychological effect on so many of us and how can we approach the next decade of our lives in a more embracing and positive way?
Many people start thinking or talking about their next big birthday years ahead of time, planning, wishing and committing to achieve ambitions and goals.
Have you caught yourself or maybe someone else say, ‘before I’m 40, I want to start my own business, lose 10kg, learn a new skill, travel the world, or run a marathon’, only to be saying the same thing 3 months before the big day and feeling disappointed?
Taking control right here, right now, and not waiting a day longer to achieve your plans and goals, will ensure any birthday will be one to look forward to, rather than one to dread. Being proud of what you’ve achieved whilst being excited about your next chapter.
Simple mind shift changes are all it takes to see what’s possible, removing the mist of limiting beliefs and self-doubt, leading to embracing every day with a new approach.
Try these 5 simple steps to get you started to a more fulfilling you.
Step 1:
Reflect: What have you achieved so far?
Write down everything you have already achieved since your last birthday. This is an amazing tool to really see what you have done in your life rather than what you have not.
These could have been small or big things such as learning to swim, buying a house, changing your diet, saving money, or travelling etc.
Step 2:
Write it down: What is it?
What would you love to achieve or do that is realistic?
Is it to learn a new language, volunteer in the community, carve a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise, seek your life’s purpose and follow your dreams? Looking back at your list, what is currently stopping you for achieving these things? What small step can you take today that will get you closer?
Step 3:
Make your plan: The journey
Plan a simple set of commitments and steps that are realistic and easy to follow.
For example if one of your goals is to run a marathon and you are currently not exercising at all, your plan may start with you finding a running group or joining a friend who likes running first. Next it could be achieving a 5k run within the next 4 weeks.
The journey plan should be clear for you to see your progress, accepting things might not always go to plan, but rewarding yourself when they do.
Step 4:
Take positive action:
Share your plans with friends and family.
This is a great way to hold yourself to account whilst gaining the support from the people closest to you, who will be willing to be your greatest cheerleaders.
Step 5:
Acknowledge and reset:
Keeping a diary through your journey towards your goals and ambitions can often assist to see how far you’ve come, and what your thought patterns were along the way. This is always a good insight to be more conscious of how you cope, react and overcome disappointments as well as recognise how much you have achieved and equally how amazing you are for achieving it.
And finally, remember you are enough no matter what your age. Look forward to every day and especially your birthday, fill it with positivity, surround yourself with supportive, happy people and look forward to the day.
Happy Birthday!
