Own Your New Year’s Journey
With the many external demands trying to pull you in all directions, begin by
staying on your path while being able to adapt and innovate.
With the year on it’s head, we are actively taking stock of the past year, or some of
us are actively trying to not even think about it. Some of us are scared of the typical
New Year’s resolutions that go nowhere.
In the bustling pace of our professional lives, finding simple yet effective strategies
to enhance mental well-being can be transformative. The neuroscience of
happiness offers valuable insights, and one practical tool stands out: Catching
thoughts, reflection and noting or journaling.
The Power of Noting or Journaling and Reflection
Spending just 5 – 16 minutes a day of focused meditative capturing of thoughts as
described by Dr C Leaf (Switch on your Brain, P. 75, para 2. 2013. Baker Books)
can significantly impact your mental and emotional health, and the ability of the
brain to engage with the world. This practice promotes mindfulness and selfawareness,
helping you connect with your thoughts and emotions more deeply.
By articulating your thoughts, actions and experiences, you gain clarity, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of happiness.
Assessing Your Well-being
Incorporate a self-rating system into your routine to monitor key areas influencing
your happiness. On a scale from 1 to 10, evaluate yourself in the following
domains:
Sleep: Are you consistently getting restful sleep?
Diet: How balanced and nutritious is your daily intake?
Exercise: Are you engaging in regular physical activity?
Purposeful Work with Others: Do you find meaning in your work and enjoy
collaboration? Do you work with purpose with people 2 – 3 times per week?
Networking: How connected do you feel within your community and social circles?
Setting Intentional Goals
Identify one area where you can make a small improvement. Perhaps adding a
brisk walk to your routine could boost your exercise score. Reflect on this choice
and explore your feelings—are you excited, anxious, or motivated? Understanding
your emotional response can guide your approach.