Tips To Gain Perspective, Achieve Goals and Think Positively

Photo by JDreierI have altered many parts of my life during this past year. I'm not sure if it's that I am nearing the age of 40 and wanted to reassess where I was at in life; or if I had just come to several new realizations; or if I wanted to travel down new paths; or maybe (and yes, most likely) a combination of them all...but it's been an adventurous journey as of late and I feel like I'm just beginning to figure a lot out.

Goal setting became big for me again and helped me to hone in on aspects of my life I had forgotten about.

I have so far to go, so much to learn, and so much to do...but I am discovering new tools along the way and thought I would list a few that have helped me to gain new perspective:

• Change and growth must come in small steps. You can't change anything overnight, but you ARE in control of each new action you take and each new decision you make.

• Fitness, diet and health are ongoing processes that start with small resolutions and commitments, and grow into patterns of behavior.

• Curtailing consumption and simplifying life is, again, a step-by-step process. It can begin with just decluttering your desk drawer or closet, as you slowly gain a new understanding of contentment and necessity. Buying less and owning less has helped me to realize more of what is truly important in my life (and those important things are NOT "things").

• If you want to change your direction in terms of career paths, look for your strengths and do everything you can do to improve upon them. Learn, practice, network, and grow into that dream until it becomes your reality. It might take a long time. It might be a lofty goal. But you are never going to get there unless you start now.

• The past is the past. Dwelling on things and living with the "what if" mentality is futile. Control your future now and look ahead, not behind.

• Small steps add up. Don't let discouragement slow you down. Don't let road blocks obstruct your view. Learn from mistakes and gather up the "small steps" until they add up to great leaps and bounds.

• Have fun! If you aren't enjoying the process, then reassess things and find out what is making you unhappy. Growth and change should bring happiness, not frustration. Life is too short to not be enjoying the ride...so appreciate each day and make the most of it!