A new year has begun. It’s an opportunity for new beginnings and clean slates. But let’s face it. It’s also when you feel pressured to set huge, life-changing goals that are almost impossible to achieve. I want you to feel energized about the new year ahead, not stressed out so soon after it has begun. By ditching unrealistic resolutions and focusing on purposeful actions, you can make 2019 a year of better health, more joy, and exciting opportunities.
What’s the Big Deal About Purpose?
The purpose is what drives you. It’s what inspires you and keeps you motivated, passionate, and engaged with the world around you. It’s theΒ whyΒ behind everything you do. But is it important? Does it impact your ability to live a happy and healthy life? Yes. It is. And it does.
The role that purpose plays in your life might be the best indicator of your state of health. Why? Because people with a strong sense of purpose experience less stress, less depression, better mental health, andΒ more happiness. Purposeful living can even add years to your life! It can also reduce your risk of:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cardiovascular Events
- Cognitive Impairment
- Dementia (by 53%!)
- Stroke
- Chronic Illness
It’s a Big Deal. A Very Big Deal.
Each purposeful day you live means better health and wellness and minor unrest in your body. I believe that less unrest in your body leads to a balanced body in harmony, calmer, and responds more positively.
The purpose is also pretty magical. Consider the grade school tutor who works with students who desperately need academic help. Remember, your purpose is yourΒ why. The tutor helps these students because they want to offer encouragement and make a difference in their lives.
Here’s where it gets magical. The tutor is more than just a grade school tutor. They are actively serving as a Health Hero to each child and themself. The purpose (Β offering encouragement and making a difference) behind the action (tutoring) creates this beautiful circle of giving and receiving in ways you can’t immediately see or feel. But it’s there, andΒ it’s the key to a life that excites you, energizes you, and drives you forward.
Forget Resolutions
Most people don’t stick to their New Year’s resolutions, and there are several reasons why:
- They set unrealistic goals that aren’t sustainable.
- They think they need to set huge, unrealistic goals that they don’t have the time or energy to reach. For example, they believe that getting in shape requires an expensive gym membership and constant workouts or that losing weight requires a strict diet plan.
- They set goals that are not in alignment with their purpose.
No wonder these resolutions don’t stand the test of time!
Focus On Purposeful Action for Life Changes That Last
Enriching your life with purposeful action is easier than you think.Β You have to find your purpose and let it live behind everything you do. Here’s what you need to do and know:
- Before you set goals or make promises to yourself, stop and think. Is this important to you? If so,Β whyΒ is it important?Β WhyΒ do you want to do it? If it will enrich your life or other people’s lives, go for it! If you realize that it really won’t make a difference, let it go β it won’t be sustainable.
- Even the most minor things you do throughout the year can (and should!) be fueled by your purpose. Don’t psych yourself out by thinking only the big things count. Offering to carry someone’s groceries to their car because you want to brighten someone’s day is a purposeful action!
- Not achieving a goal is perfectly acceptable. Failure now and then is inevitable and can lead to personal growth. If you fail in attaining an objective, remind yourself what drove you to attempt it in the first place. If that purpose is still meaningful to you, set a new goal fueled by that sameΒ wayΒ and go for it!
Don’t let unrealistic or trendy resolutions distract you from the things that matter most to you.Β Use the power of purpose to create sustainable goals that you’re excited to achieve.Β Having a reason for everything you do helps you build healthy habits that last a lifetime. These habits help you have more positive energy, happiness, and beautiful meaning behind everything you do. Live your purpose, and create a magical new year.
If you have questions about finding why and taking purposeful actions, pleaseΒ send me an emailΒ to share your thoughts.
Make healthy living a part of every day.
The light in me honors the light in you. Namaste.
Dr. Nandi
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Partha’s Prescriptions
- Find your purpose.Β Create a list of the things that inspire you and make you happy. Just write down what you would enjoy doing and accomplishing over the year. Then, make them a priority. It works wonders for your body and spirit.
- Find your patience.Β Determining your purpose sometimes takes time and patience, but the payoff is huge. Once you’ve achieved this, your focus and concentration increase exponentially, allowing you to stay on track and thrive!
- Find your zen.Β Your spirituality plays a big role in identifying your purpose.Β Try meditating to calm your mindΒ and focus on the positive. Even taking a 1-minute pause during your day to reflect and breathe deeply can clear your mind and help you find you why!
