Good change is a simple concept. But not all simple concepts are easily attainable. As the hustling generation we strive to maintain a system that yields positive feelings or results.

As the holidays roll around I realized how soon the new year is near us. While I’m not obsessed with the “new year new me” concept, I don’t disagree on “new year better me”. How easy or hard is it to change things up? The answer: You can do anything you set your mind to!

I’ve broken down a couple of easy ways to make changing a part of reality.

• Sit down and analyze: We all know it’s not wise to overthink, specially negatively. But it really doesn’t hurt to take a few minutes of your day to sit down and think. For me what works is a good old notebook. Spending time with a notepad or computer at coffee shops is the best kind of me time/productive time I can ask for.
• Start small: Remember under-promise and over-deliver applies to ourselves too. Start with something simple, easily attainable. Maybe it’s changing up your workout routine or even catching up with people you don’t usually hangout with. The small changes are crucial in establishing the foundation or routine for bigger changes that we take on eventually.
• Break your routine: I remember I was a night owl and would prefer working out after hours. But the last 2 weeks I decided to start working out in the morning. I’m probably equally as healthy as I was, but my mind just had a whole new exposure. Being a routine obsessed person I realized the importance of not always relying on a routine but rather add spontaneity every now and then. It not only adds more excitement but also gears one up for unforeseen challenges that may come.
• Reward small accomplishments: The rule of reinforcement lets you enjoy the reaps of effort and look forward to future successes.

•  Your style, your makeup, your music- Change it up! Don’t be caught in a rut:  Maybe it’s just adding a different lip color or wearing different sunglasses- it’s refreshing to add variations. Similarly with music, change up the genre. While you may have a favorite, it’s refreshing to listen to others every now and then.
•  Pick an area you like to experiment: For me it has to be my hair. From post-breakup to simply bored, my hair is always the subject for my constant yearning for change.

• Embrace unproductive or disappointing days: It’s ok, we’re only human. Regrets pull us backwards, but learning from failure pushes us forward.
• Multitask: An active brain is a happy brain!
• Love the journey instead of longing to reach the destination: The more you enjoy the process, the less anxious you’ll be about ‘getting there.’
• But of course have a goal which is not a specific entity but a whole big picture: For example is your goal itemized/quantitative, or more of a vision? It’s not about landing that job or earning that money. Instead it should be about what you see yourself doing.
• And lastly, always challenge yourself: Without being too hard on yourself.

Happy reading! Be sure to drink the coffee- feel free to change up the flavor. It’s good change!