THINK POSITIVE IN 2023

Wondering how to think positive in 2023 despite the uncertainties that  cloud your mind? Here are expert-recommended tips… 

The year 2022 has ended, so it is the perfect time to reflect on our  past and present stories. We can use this reflection to create positive  changes in our lives in 2023. This year, let’s look beyond the typical  resolution and goal-setting framework and focus on how to think  positive and being kind to ourselves by embracing self-compassion.  It can be challenging to transition into a New Year without holding  onto old patterns and habits that don’t serve us anymore. This is  when self-compassion comes in – accepting yourself with kindness  and curiosity, regardless of what happened in the past or how you  feel.

Importance of self-love or self-compassion: Self-compassion is not  about being overly indulgent or complacent. Instead, it means taking  responsibility for your actions while treating yourself with compassion.  It involves understanding that mistakes are part of human nature,  learning from them, and not getting caught up in beating yourself up for  them. A compassionate approach can positively influence your outlook  and interactions with others. It also becomes easier to handle difficult  emotions without judgement, blame or self-criticism and make more  mindful choices in the present moment.

Promote a positive mind-set by rewriting your story: Rewriting your  story is a great way to start incorporating self-compassion into your life  this year. This means identifying stories you tell yourself about past  events or experiences, reframing them positively, and sharing that new  narrative with those around you. Letting go of the old story allows us to  create something new, which can be incredibly liberating and  empowering. 

Identify areas of improvement: When you reflect on the past year,  acknowledge what worked for you, what didn’t, and areas you would  like to improve upon. Once you have identified these points, it’s time to  set attainable goals. Think broadly about your actions going forward  while remaining realistic. Do not forget to reward yourself for small  successes along the way!

Be kind to yourself: One of the most important things is to be kind to  yourself. Mistakes are inevitable and provide learning opportunities.  Therefore, self-compassion is quite vital in rewriting your story. It  allows for forgiveness when things do not go as planned and  encourages one to move forward anyway. 

Start each morning by setting intentions: Wake up early each  morning and take some time to reflect on what kind of day you want to  have; this will help motivate you throughout the day. Practice gratitude,  mindfulness, meditation or journaling; recognise your thoughts without  judging them.

Give yourself permission to fail: Allow yourself permission to fail  from time-to-time without judgement. Everyone fails at some point, but  it doesn’t have to be seen as indicative of failure overall; use it instead  as a learning. 

Focus on progress rather than perfection: You don’t need  everything to be perfect all at once. Focus instead on celebrating even  small successes. 

Prioritise ‘me-time’ every day: Allow yourself enough time each day  through activities such as yoga, mindfulness practices or simply  enjoying silence – this helps maintain balance between mind, body and  spirit 

Talk kindly with yourself: Pay attention to any unhelpful thoughts  going through your mind – question them if necessary! Be mindful of  your language and thoughts. 

Embrace change: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Making  changes in our lives is often essential for personal growth.

So this new year, let’s find ways to have a positive mindset for the  future. Allow 2023 to be a year full of possibilities and personal  growth while creating a solid foundation for future success! 

*Dr Chandni Tugnait is MD (Alternative Medicine),  Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer  and Founder & Director – Gateway of Healing.