This article was originally written by Quantum Evolution & Soul Transformation Coach Shawna Pelton, and edited/updated by Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD, CLT.
Mid-January reflections: We’re at that time of year again – the end of an old cycle and the recent beginning of a new one. The gyms are packed, and motivation levels are at an all-time high for those would like to get “back on track” after a harried holiday season!
It’s said that every 6 in 10 people are inspired by this annual opportunity to begin again, and will set new year’s resolutions.
But what most people don’t realize about the new year is this time of inner reflection for outer renewal isn’t just a quirky part of our modern day lives; it has ancient roots meant for a more sacred and meaningful life!
Understanding our past and connecting back to our roots is the best way to tap into lessons and wisdom that will allow us to propel forward on our path with more ease and flow.
New year’s resolutions: historically speaking….
“To know your future you must know your past.”
– George Santayana
- More than 4k years ago, the ancient Babylonians were known to celebrate every new year with intentions to pay off debt, return borrowed objects, and remain loyal.
- Over 2k years ago, Caesar tinkered with the calendar to make January the first month of the year. He decided to name “January” after a two faced god, Janus, whose spirit inhabits doorways.
- One face looks back while the other faces ahead towards the future.
- The Romans made “sacrifices” to this deity (resolutions) to honor the new year.
Traditions and celebrations around the new year have clearly carried over to continue representing reflection, hope, inspiration, new beginnings and new opportunities.
New year, new you?
On the one hand, setting intentions for the new year is a positive way for people to reset, reflect and get proactive. (According to research on the topic, 88% of people polled said they believe that individuals can create their own reality.)
Yet, statistically speaking, of the people who pursue goals, the vast majority (92%) don’t actually achieve them. (Most people give up on their goals before February 1 each year!)
So why do only 8% of people reach their goals?
It’s not that we can’t achieve our goals. (We all have the same limitless potential to take new actions and change behaviors – this is how our personal reality takes form.)
From a holistic, root-cause perspective, what these statistic suggest is that 92% of goal getters are STUCK in the place behaviors originate – our old, fear-based mindset or “programming” – which can show up as any of the following:
- Distrust of others, maybe as a result of past experiences/traumas
- Chronic negative thinking patterns
- Lack of imagination/creativity/innovation to see what’s possible
- Doubt in self, with no plan or little to no confidence in a plan
- Fear of failure, which can lead to self-sabotage or hold people back from going ALL IN on a commitment to achieve the goal
- Fear of the change that success will bring
- A desire to achieve success for the ‘wrong’ reasons
- A need for more mental and/or physical resilience (which must be built up through experience and intentional practice)
- Exhaustion from the effort
- Lack of accountability
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! There are lots of ways to move out of these fixed mindset patterns, if you want to.
How to get un-stuck and transform your life: top 4 habits
If you dare to defy the odds and truly transform your life, the following are a few insights into the success secrets of the top 8% of achievers, as well as some ways you can align with your true nature and harness more of your untapped potential.
1. Set goals that are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Realistic
- Attainable – challenging, but not impossible (meet yourself where you’re at)
- In alignment with a higher overall vision
- Time-oriented
2. Commit to both the journey AND the outcome, versus just “dabbling”
- Your vision should excite and inspire you!
- The final outcome is not what will bring you true happiness or fulfillment if it isn’t preceded by your unique journey. The journey is all about evolving your soul and tapping into your greatest potential.
3. Be open to feedback & being held accountable
- Consider working with a trusted advisor or coach as needed.
4. Avoid multi-tasking
- Don’t try to do too many things at once, which drains your energy.
- Focus on one thing at a time / break your tasks down into small chunks, so you can move the needle forward towards the bigger vision.
- Consider batching your time to get more momentum and traction, instead of pivoting from one task to the next every 10-15-30 minutes.
Tony Robins once said, “People over estimate what they can do in a year, and underestimate what they can do in five.” So don’t feel like a failure if you don’t see the fruits of your efforts right away!
Re-ALIGN
Bigger than setting a new year resolution, choose to make this year an opportunity for you to shift your perspective, re-calibrate, and set intentions at the root level that will align you with the most magnificent version of your TRUE self.
It’s common to upgrade our phones, our operating systems, our appliances, even wardrobe… why not upgrade your mindset and your life? What if, instead of settling back into old patterns and comfort zones this coming new year, you were to activate your dormant potential on a grander scale?
Harness this opportune time standing at the doorway with Janus to reflect on your experiences this past year. Reflect and acknowledge the difficult challenges you faced, the big lessons you learned, and wisdom gleaned, so you can move forward to the next level on your journey.
You may also want to ask yourself:
- “Which old patterns or unhealthy habits do I NEED to shift?”
- “Which patterns am I READY to transform?”
Next, consider what you want moving forward with what matters most in life.
- What do you want to create MOST for 2022?
- What skills will you need to develop so to reach these goals?
Transformation and goal-setting: next steps
If you want to open up to what’s possible, you can follow this free step-by-step ENViSiONEERING process. (It’s a free transformational course within the Inner Power Circle at QuantumSHIFT.us.)
An ENViSiONEER does three things…
- Creatively visualizes the potential future
- Thoughtfully engineers a life by Divine design
- Courageously sets off on an adventure to discover new lands as a pioneer
Starting your ENViSiONEERING process is a great starting point for setting yourself up on your path for success. Try it for yourself, then let me know what you plan to do with your upgraded life!
Cheers to you on a journey of Self-Actualization!
With absolute faith in your ability to be transformed!
xo – Shawna Pelton
About the Author
As a trauma-informed bioenergetic healer, mentor, and teacher of 20 years, Shawna Pelton specializes in helping people overcome their personal and relational patterns of conflict so to align with their highest potential for health, happiness, and harmony
Shawna is the founder of the Quantum SHIFT Inner Power Circle, a place where spiritual seekers everywhere can reorient to their true north.