There comes a time in life when most of us contemplate a change, a new direction, a fresh start. For some, every new year, new month, or new week brings an opportunity for something new. For others, change seems more difficult, and stressful even. For others, the idea of change springs forth as a result of some life event or major circumstance. Whatever the case may be, a fresh start could just be exactly what you need to feel alive, fresh, and vibrant.
So if this is you and you are looking for a fresh start, where should you begin? Let’s tackle this big question by listing a series of questions that you could ask yourself to get those creative juices flowing.
5 Questions to Ask When You Need a Fresh Start:
- Can I Start By Asking Myself Better Questions?
Change is hard, y’all. That’s why most people don’t do it. They rather complain about the same situation over and over again, rather than take real action to make a fresh start. So instead of going through this exercise with a “dressed up” version of the same old problem. Get real and ask the hard questions: What do I really want? What is the one (domino) change that I can make to push the needle forward? What is my vision? Wait, do I have a vision? Why do I want this? What is stopping me from moving forward? What kind of help and support do I need?
- What Type of Risks Am I Willing to Take?
Before you ask yourself this question, you might find it helpful to do a mini-life assessment. You should consider your age, health status, financial status as well as your responsibilities when assessing risks. Yes, change does require a commitment to the process. But be wise and count the costs, so that you don’t blow up your hard-won lifestyle if that’s not really necessary. Taking calculated risks can possibly yield better results in the long run.
- Am I Willing to Let Go of the Past?
A new beginning implies leaving someone or something behind. Are you ready and willing to let go of the part of the past that is no longer serving you? If you are dragging around a lot of baggage from the past, a fresh start may feel impossible. Be brave and determine what to keep and what needs to go in order to enter into the new exciting future that you are planning for yourself.
- How Will This Affect My Mental and Physical Health?
A fresh start can require a lot of physical and mental energy. It would be wise to assess how this change will affect your overall health. If you prioritize your health and wellness, ask yourself whether this new endeavor will drain your physical or mental capabilities. It may be hard to access on the front end, but keep it at the top of your mind as you move forward into the new. Nothing is worth your health and strength. Nothing.
- How Will I Handle the Naysayers?
As long as you have breath in your body, there will be naysayers. These adversarial voices can be powerful. Not preparing a response could be a mistake. Don’t get caught off guard by the mudslingers. Believe me when I say they are everywhere. Some of us are stronger when it comes to this type of opposition. But few of us are immune to their criticism. Think about how you will respond to their negative questions and “worst case scenarios”. It could be your saving grace.
Making a fresh start in life is usually a marathon, not a sprint. If it’s a big change, you may have many false starts or encounter obstacles that you never dreamed of. Learning to focus on the process (the journey), versus the outcome (the destination), can serve you well. This way you will give yourself the wiggle room you need to make adjustments and learn along the way, instead of feeling like a failure because you didn’t experience the exact outcome you had imagined. Do your best, but don’t get caught up in perfectionism. Remember, trying new things, aka fresh starts, require a bit of experimenting. So give yourself the space that you need to bring about real lasting change in your life.
You deserve it!
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx