1. Listen more. Listening is one of the most important communication skills, yet many of us are guilty of underestimating its power or devaluing it. Listening is crucial not only in building strong and effective relationships but in enhancing problem solving skills, boosting confidence, and avoiding miscommunication.
Effective listening means really hearing what people are saying, appreciating their viewpoint, and providing a thoughtful and suitable response.
We can improve our listening ability by giving our full attention to and absorbing what people are saying, avoiding distractions, asking questions, showing empathy, using positive body language, and providing feedback. Becoming a better listener will benefit every area of your life and will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of people.
2. Nurture relationships. These may be with your partner, family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours and all require time and commitment if they are to flourish. If you would like 2025 to be the year in which your various relationships develop and grow, be sure to put them at the top of your agenda.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to re-assess your relationships, too, and to consider if they are enriching your life. If, for example, your partner or best friend is causing you a lot of angst and heartache and appears to be contributing little in terms of happiness to your life maybe is to time to walk away and close this chapter. If the relationship is mostly good, commit to working together to iron out any existing issues.
It is a good idea to look inwards, also, and ask yourself if there is anything you can do to be a better partner, parent, sibling, or friend. Look deep inside yourself, be honest, and be prepared to change.
3. Say sorry. This is often the hardest word to say and people often try to avoid apologising, for a number of reasons. Some regard it as "giving in" or admitting defeat and feel that they will lose face by saying sorry.
When we make a mistake or do something wrong, apologising or expressing regret is the right thing to do. It is important that your apology is genuine, sincere, empathetic, and meaningful. It is wise to apologise as soon as possible after the offending incident, otherwise the hurt and tension may escalate and you may find it harder to summon up the courage to say sorry.
When we are under stress, it is easy to snap at people, even those we care about, or say the wrong thing. We all make thoughtless mistakes from time to time, such as promising to do something but failing to deliver on it, forgetting to acknowledge a kind invitation, or being unkind, rude, or insensitive. Saying sorry defuses a situation and allows you to maintain or preserve connections with other people.
4. Challenge self-defeating thought patterns. Do you sometimes notice yourself saying: "I can't do this" or "I'll never be able to get this project finished on time". These negative comments can become self-fulfilling prophesies. Aim to incorporate more positive self-talk into your life. This optimistic internal dialogue will help you feel good about yourself as well as being a motivating factor.
Offer yourself the same level of support and encouragement that you would give to a friend. Treat yourself with love, kindness, empathy, and understanding. Reflect on all the obstacles you have surmounted on your life's journey. Take time to appreciate how well you navigated these challenges and the progress you made along the way.
5. Accept that change is part of life. Many of us find change challenging because it means moving out of our comfort zone and taking risks. We fear the unknown, losing something, and failure. Moving house, getting a new job, having a baby, emigrating, or deciding to leave an unhealthy relationship all involve change and can appear daunting because your sense of control is threatened. While we should always listen to our fears because they may be messages alerting us to potential danger, it is important not to allow them to hold us back or dictate our life's pathway.
6. Seek opportunities for self-discovery. A new year has begun and you are about to embark on a new chapter in your life. Endless possibilities lie before you. If you feel burdened or disheartened after getting through a difficult 2024, remind yourself that you may have grown in some respect as a result of this struggle. Many people who are faced with hardship, loss, or any other emotional pain say they gain a greater sense of strength, compassion, and empathy as well as a heightened appreciation for life, from going through this experience.
7. Maintain a hopeful outlook. It is important to cling to hope even when it appears the odds are not stacked in your favour. Hope is linked to health, quality of life, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose. Being hopeful motivates us when we are experiencing challenging times. It reminds us that no matter how bad things are currently, they will get better. Hope is also a protective factor against stress, hopeful people tend to be more resilient.
8. Make a list of your accomplishments. These need not be major achievements, even mini-successes will qualify, and add to this list daily. Acknowledging or recognising what you have already achieved will not only boost your confidence and lift your spirits on a dark day, it will also encourage you to aim higher and go on to build on your earlier successes.
9. Express your feelings. Sharing how we feel helps us to unburden, gain a better perspective on our situation, and reduce our stress levels. It also brings us closer to those we confide in and provides a sense of belonging.
If you do not feel comfortable confiding in others or are dealing with a delicate or sensitive situation that you would prefer to remain confidential, consider using other methods of self-expression. Creative outlets such as keeping a journal or painting will allow you to release your feelings at a time and place which suits you best.
10. Do something. This need not be a major project, just a run-of-the-mill task that you have been meaning to do for ages. Organise your desk, kitchen table, or bedside locker. Or clear out a drawer or one area in your garden shed. Experts say that completing a small task increases your sense of control and reduces your stress levels.
If your decluttering appetite has been whetted by these endeavours, consider setting aside 15 minutes daily for this task. While this is just a short period of time, you can do a lot if you are motivated.
Follow the "one in, two out" rule to ensure your home remains clutter-free. When you bring a new item into your house, throw out (ideally, donate to charity or pass on to a friend ) two other items.
