Happy New Year, I hope that this year is a happy, healthy and fulfilling one for you.

Modern life is busy, time passes by so quickly and life is short. It’s therefore important that we develop habits, rituals and practices that allow us to experience the best that life has to offer.

To mark the start of the New Year, I have complied some tips and ideas to help you to Be First Class personally and professionally in 2017. I hope that you enjoy reading my thoughts and that they help you to thrive professionally and personally and increase your happiness and fulfilment levels.

  1. Have a clear vision and goals for 2017

Be clear about what you would like to experience and achieve in 2017. As well as professional goals, consider having at least 3-5 main personal goals for the year ahead.

  1. Spend more time in the present moment

Quit worrying about the past or living life too far in the future. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

  1. Let go of things that you can’t control

Focus your time and energy on things that you can control and influence.

  1. Develop your positivity muscle

What you focus on grows, so I suggest you create a positivity book to record positive experiences, feedback and good fortune. Be an example to others and the most positive person you know.

  1. Be discerning with the use of your time and energy

Ensure that you do things that make you feel good and boost your energy. Spend time with people that increase rather than drain your energy

  1. Listen to and trust your intuition

Your intuition knows what’s best for you, so a good habit to adopt is to listen, tune into and trust your intuition. If it says go for it, listen to the wisdom. If it doesn’t feel right heed the warning.

  1. Remember that good health is the real wealth

Take time to focus on your health and well-being. Prioritise self-care. A daily brisk walk is a good way to do 30 minutes exercise. Have a break at lunch time and quit eating at your desk.

  1. Life is short; enjoy the simple things in life

Do what makes you happy and you’re passionate about. Follow your dreams, spend time with those you love and remember that quite often the best things in life are free.

  1. Develop an attitude of gratitude

Each day take time to really appreciate all that you have in your life. Make a note of at least 3 things daily in a notebook. Celebrate your successes, achievements and good fortune.

  1. Have a technology free day each week

Give your brain a break and switch off your phone, computers and avoid social media. Be really present with activities and conversations with family and friends. Spend some quality time outdoors.

  1. Practice random acts of kindness

You can create good feelings by doing unexpected and unconditional good deeds for others. It can be a simple gesture and doesn’t have to cost money. Acts of kindness help to create a better world.

  1. Be careful with your words

Avoid negative language and gossip and choose your words carefully to avoid causing unnecessary hurt. Be impeccable with your word. Only say what you truly mean and promise what you can fulfil.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

You can’t do it all alone. Get help for your areas of limitation and gaps in your knowledge and resources. See it as strength to show some vulnerability and ask for help when you need it.

  1. Be yourself – everyone else is taken!

Stand up for what you believe in. Be true to yourself and your values. You are unique and special and in a world where you can be anything, it’s important to just be yourself.

  1. Make room for fun and laughter

There is much research available to endorse the health benefits of frequent laughter. Make time to watch funny movies or TV Shows or read a humorous book. See the funny side of life often.

  1. Quit comparing yourself to others

This will save a lot of mental energy. Have you ever compared yourself to someone else and found them to exactly the same as you? We’re all different and unique that’s what makes life interesting.

This week why not take a few moments to reflect and consider which of the tips you would like to focus more attention on in 2017.

This week’s quotation:

“And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been.” Rainer Maria Rilke.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk