Pure Intention 2023 : Reset !!

Reset – The definition according to Dictionary.com: “To set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way.

“If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut or you’re just not happy with the way things are going, you might want to shake things up. Hitting the reset button on your life might seem like a lot of work, but taking a few small steps at a time can lead to some big changes. And remember—recognizing that you need a change is a big step on its own, so you’re already well on your way to a fresh start.” – How to reset your Life by Guy Reichard and Amy Bobinger Reset-Your-Life

So here’s the thing ….it’s January 22, 2023. I know that I recommended that we “ease gently” into 2023 but personally, I have come to the realization that I’ve got to get a move on. I think I may have mentioned in a previous post that the true indicators of me having my shit together are shaved legs and food in my bird feeder. Well guess what ?

What is holding me back from starting to work towards my goals of 2023 ?

I am a procrastinator 🙂

What I learned today is that mindfulness, can help us to overcome and conquer this bad habit!

According to a recent excerpt I listened to on Calm.com about (I was actually supposed to be cleaning the house but got side tracked and started listening to this instead !), I am not alone 🙂 Procrastination is a universal human problem and we all struggle to get moving on important tasks. Important projects may bring up unpleasant feelings such as boredom, anxiety and fear. Procrastination is a coping mechanism to help us avoid these strong emotions. Although avoidance, can bring short term relief – long term avoidance, may lead to missed opportunities.Who wants that ?

When we choose to put something off, we may lack awareness of what’s happening on a deeper level. This is where awareness and emotional control can serve us.

According to calm.com meditation on procrastination, there are tools that can help us work through our procrastination and help us get on with things.

Step 1 – Investigate . Notice what you are feeling when you resist taking on a specific task you have been avoiding. Do you have the urge to reach for distraction ? Does the thought of applying yourself to the project bring up feelings of anxiety or fear of failure? What do you think is holding you back ?

Step 2 Ask yourself what will happen if you continue to lock yourself into avoidance. Is the short term relief worth a delayed outcome ?

Step 3 – Set up a reward for yourself . Now personally, I love this suggestion 🙂 “Incentives can powerfully harness our motivation.” I couldn’t agree more !

Step 4 – Dig deep and tap into one of the greatest skills of mindfulness – the ability to maintain focus on the present moment. Remain aware, moment by moment as distractions arise and cease.With that awareness, keep pulling yourself back over and over , strengthening the muscle to stay strong, amidst temptation.

Step 5 – Remember you are not alone in your struggle to focus. We all succumb to delays, distractions and diversion. This is where non-judgement and self -compassion can help.

I love the idea that choosing to be mindful, has the potential to lead us towards progress and possibility !

It’s really quite simple .

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” – Daniel Goleman

Here are some more words of wisdom from Scott Orth – Mindful Wisdom in his article feed-your-focus-starve-your-distractions-part-1

According to Orth , “Distraction is becoming the new normal. We’re even distracted in our downtime.”

 He writes,  “There is a fine line between ‘highly enjoyable’ and ‘addictive’, and most of us can feel our brain dancing that line!   And much of the time we simply lack the internal willpower to resist these temptations.”

I love his suggestions to :

1. Choose.  Make a conscious choice to take back control of your attention. This is a choice that only you can make.  Choose to finish writing one email before flitting off to something else.  Choose what you need to focus on most at work – and stay with it.   Choose to put away your phone let yourself be engrossed in a conversation, a TV show or a good book – and let that experience be enough. 
2. Delete, turnoff, unsubscribe, manage your external distractions.  Our digital distractions are particularly tempting, so win the war without fighting – turn it off!  Turn off or remove all but your most critical notifications and updates.  Starve your distractions. Feed your focus. 
3. Practice JOMO/POMO.  Reacquaint yourself with the word “No!” and give yourself the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) or the Permission of Missing Out (POMO).  And experience the joy of doing one thing at a time fully. Remember ? I wrote a post on this idea awhile back pure-intention-cultivate-a-sense-of-ease ( just sayin )

Now that we’ve dealt with the whole procrastination thing, there should be nothing holding us back from hitting the reset button for 2023.

Wondering where to start ?

Guy Reichard and Amy Bobinger, make the following recommendations :

Reset-Your-LReset-Your-Lifeife

1. Envision the life you want.
2. Determine your core values.
3. Set clear goals for what you want to accomplish.
4. Break your goals into actionable steps.
5. Let go of things that don’t bring joy to your life.
6. Take some time to clear your mind.
7. Focus on your physical health.
8. Clean your environment. *Please note that I actually ended up cleaning my house today. Mindfulness conquered procrastination 🙂
9. Surround yourself with supportive people.
10. Get out of your comfort zone.
11. Start breaking bad habits.
12. Keep a gratitude journal.
13. Learn to challenge your negative thoughts.
14. Reflect on the past but don’t dwell on it.
15. Forgive yourself and others.
16. Remember that endings aren’t always bad !!

I have many projects for this year and I’m excited about the possibilities 🙂

In order to keep me on track for 2023, I have a few topics in mind for upcoming blogs :

• Out with the Old and In with the New
• Detox and Cleanse – 3 day challenge
• Declutter
• Create space for stillness
• Practice Gratitude
• Practice Yoga
• Practice Meditation

Stay tuned peeps,

xox

K