In some ways, the beginning of a new year offers a clean slate. Many people set goals, make resolutions, and begin new habits in January. To some extent, I take advantage of this time to set goals for the coming year and reflect on the passing year. I’m all for striving to better yourself and achieve more year after year. But what I don’t get is people who think of the new year as a completely fresh start. I don’t like the idea of starting over or remaking yourself. Here are some reasons why I don’t agree with “New Year, New You”.

Actually, we can never really start completely over.

Every life experience, good or bad, makes you who you are. While we sometimes wish we could erase some things from our past, it simply can’t be done. There is no undo button on life. And the sad thing is, when we try to shove those unpleasant experiences, memories, or bad decisions to the back corner of ourselves, we end up suffering even more consequences. Stuffing emotions is never a healthy choice. 

Understanding that even the worst experiences are part of who we are helps us to learn how to grow from them. Struggles and strife make us stronger, more resilient, and more wise. If it weren’t for the setbacks I have experienced, I know I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. This process of refining is an unavoidable, necessary part of life. If we wish for starting over, we reject those experiences and fail to learn that which we need to learn. 

I like you just the way you are.

I believe that we are all created according to a specific plan and purpose. Each person has a unique set of gifts and talents. Instead of focusing so much attention on that which we would like to change or “fix” about ourselves, how about examining our strengths and working to enhance them? 

The point is, you are special just the way you are. Whatever it is that makes you tick is different from anyone else and it is beautiful in and of itself. Don’t try to change it. People who are constantly seeking to remake themselves lack confidence and direction. It is a futile pursuit that leads to self-rejection and disappointment anyway. Let’s not do that.

Be you, only better.

So focus on the positives. That sounds so simple. In fact, it is just that simple. This new year, take some time to discover who you really are. What are your strengths? What are you passionate about? Is there an activity or cause gets you so fired up that you forget to eat? Those are the things you should hone in on. Look for ways to improve those desires and convictions. How can you channel this passion to give back to the universe and make the world a better place?

Now don’t get me wrong. Some things about ourselves we just have to work on. I hate dealing with taxes. But it’s an essential part of my business, so I trudge away at learning all the lingo and laws. It is a means to an end. It is part of my mission. Not all of what you do will be the fun part, or the fruit. You have to pull the weeds too. Hard work is just that. . .hard. Once again, that hard stuff is working to make you stronger.

Happy New Year, you.

So set those goals and use the new year as a time to reflect and dream. Just be sure to stay true to you in the process. Trust that authentic inner self to guide your decisions and choices and move forward with intention.

You do you. Everyone else is taken.

What are your big dreams and goals for 2019? Comment and share with the community so we can support one another!

Need help discovering your authentic self? Check out this post about Self Acceptance.

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