Renew Thyself

In 2022

Whilst most people might feel bored with the ‘new year, new me’ notion, great opportunities can underly the entry into 2022. Our automatic reckoning might be tended with an eyeroll followed by some scepticism, right? Many of us may be facing unpredicted challenges we had not foreseen some simple solar years ago. Undoubtedly, many more of us are living in trying times whereby thoughts are clouded by ‘but what ifs’ and trigger overwhelming feelings of uncertainty.

If this might resonate with you, never fear. Not only are you not alone, the great news is that there are some tactics we can use to set us on a new course in the plight for greater happiness and wellbeing. The best way to start is by asking questions such as, how to get there? This may be the spur needed to take the first steps on our pathway to self-renewal and potential success as you wander your way through the wonderful map of life.

Grow optimistically

Start with your mind. Thoughts are the steering wheel geared for positive engineering to create impactful results. Part of the fundamental intricacies of what makes us human are our thoughts and emotions. Many of us yearn for concrete direction on how to better take care of ourselves and consequently, those around us. American anthropologist Lionel Tiger referred to optimism as a ‘biology of hope’. Optimism is in fact a personality trait, built on the expectation that the future will work out. Interestingly, scientific research refers to optimism not as mere fantasy or daydreaming. It references dedicated planning and goal-setting that create situations likely to improve our current standing, come what may. Optimism can oversee obstacles and create solutions when problems are presented (and no doubt, they will ever so kindly appear like a cute stain on our crisp, white shirt).

Brainstorm to create your reality timeline

If we desire to broaden our horizons, personal brainstorming is key way to express wants, needs and explore all possible outcomes. Brainstorming is known to draw out creativity and stimulate cognitive thinking, the thought process which occurs within the frontal lobe of our brain and responsible for perception, problem solving and judgement. According to a number Harvard Business Review articles, mind mapping ideas in a solo environment can culminate intensely within the imagination generating a series of provoking question and solution methods to foster motivation and see beyond simplistic necessity. Personal ideation can build on thoughts as an action potential to grow into many different forms and enable progressive development. A simple hour or two is what might be needed to outline your lists of hopes, dreams and realities.

Write down thoughts and set goals

There is a saying which states, ‘the only way to know what you are is to know what you are not’. This wisdom may apply during the goal setting phase of your aspiration and achievement project. Categorically defining each aspect of your life you are aiming to work on, for example lists on health and fitness, career, family, hobbies, self-care can assist in prioritizing between needs and wants and eliminating unnecessary distractions which can cause discouragement.

Writing or annotating your ideas is perhaps one of the most important aspects in the entire process. Not only it is relevant when blotting down ideas, it is a mnemonic technique which promotes active learning and memory retention by maintaining clear focus on the goals set forth. Online journal Psychology Today stresses the impact that goal setting can have on the human psyche. Working towards set goals can rewire the brain via interchangeable learning otherwise known as neuroplasticity. New connections are formed in the brain linking emotion with problem solving enabling the vision of reaching the intended goal whilst overlooking obstacles. Goals can more beneficially help save physical energy, deal with strife and release the natural chemical dopamine as a positive reinforcer when trying to reach it.

Remember what is important

Following your guided path through your thoughts and efforts in optimism, writing and goal planning, concluding on what is truly important is the greatest realisation. Taking care of our own wellbeing has become more important than ever to ensure happiness can be experienced not only within our own realm but that of others too. How we feel most certainly impacts those around us therefore it is a favour to others when we carefully consider our personal duty of care. This is why we believe that self-care is an essential aspect to living and taking a moment to think, read or even just breathe can be a refreshing feeling in order to reset ourselves and start again.

So for 2022, we don’t want a new you, we want the same you and instead embrace the new day.

Renew thyself,