Here we are on the first day of a brand New Year. I wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that it’s a happy, healthy and fulfilling one for you.

The New Year represents a new beginning, a fresh start for us all. It’s a chance to establish some new goals, fulfil some desires and create some healthy habits to help us to be the best we can be personally and professionally.

It’s a good time to devise some intentions for how we would like our life to be and to fulfil our potential. With this in mind, I have created a list of 18 tips to Be First Class in 2018, which I hope you enjoy reading and find useful:

  1. Have a clear vision for your personal and professional life

Be clear on what you want and would like to experience and achieve in 2018. As part of this process get clarity on your motivation and why you have these particular goals.

  1. Develop an attitude of gratitude

Make a note in a notebook daily of at least 3 things to be grateful for. Remember to celebrate your successes, achievements and good fortune. Frequently count your blessings.

  1. Be yourself (everyone else is taken)

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

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

Budget time and energy like you budget money. Ensure that you do things that make you feel good and increase your energy. Let go of negative people, influences and environments from your life.

  1. Remember that life is short and 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. Let go of things that you can’t control

It’s easy to spend your time thinking and worrying about things outside your control. Focus your time and energy on things that you can control and positively influence.

  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. You can’t change what has happened and the future is a mystery.

  1. Listen to and trust your intuition

If your instincts say be brave and go for it, listen to that wisdom. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Get into the habit of tuning in, listening to and trusting your intuition as it knows what’s best for you.

  1. Be impeccable with your word

Walk your talk. Say only what you mean and promise only what you will fulfil. Speak with integrity and avoid negative language and gossip.

  1. Quit comparing yourself to others

This will save a lot of mental energy and focus. We all have different life experiences, so instead of comparing your results to others, compare them to the targets you set for yourself.

  1. Play to your strengths

Get clear on your key strengths and natural talents. Spend more time thinking about what you are good at, rather than the things you need to improve or aren’t so good at. Apply your strengths often.

  1. Remember that good health is our 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. Tame the e mail monster

Check them no more than twice a day. Unsubscribe from some lists. Encourage colleagues to mail only what’s essential. Advocate an internal e mail free day each week in your organisation.

  1. Keep your outlook fresh

Each month get into the habit of spending 15 minutes to ask yourself – What can I stop doing? What do I need to expand doing? What do I need to start doing?

  1. Have a technology free day each week

Give your brain a break and switch off your phone, computers and avoid social media for a day. Be really present with activities and conversations with family and friends or spend time outdoors.

  1. Live now – procrastinate later

Quit over thinking issues and get into action. Regularly ask yourself “What would I do today if I were really brave?” Follow up on your ideas and action plans. The fortune is always in the follow up!

  1. Practice random acts of kindness

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. Be kind when you can to help create a better world.

  1. Make room for fun and laughter

There is much research available to endorse the health benefits of frequent laughter, so see the funny side of life. Make time to watch funny movies, TV shows or read humorous books.

I hope that you find these tips useful. This week, why not spend a few moments thinking about which of the tips you would like to focus more attention on this year and develop.

This week’s quotation:                                                             

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Vincent Van Gogh.

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