I’m a big believer of giving gifts to my future self. I’m sure you know the kind of thing I mean. A little effort now, to make your life easier or more enjoyable in the future. Batch cooking something nutritious to minimise the takeaway temptation when you’re entering a busy period. Putting a bar of chocolate in the fridge at lunchtime, so you’ve got a tasty treat alongside your film night. My absolute favourite? Fresh bed sheets. Little gestures that all add up to taking care of yourself better.
What about bigger gifts? Things that are longer term investments in your future. Gym memberships, learning new skills, going for a promotion… all contributing to your happier future you. These tend to feature in our new year resolutions, don’t they? When the year is full of promise. A blank canvas stretched before us, full of possibilities.
Autumn often feels reflective for me. Strictly is back on telly, the leaves are falling, and there’s a sense that the year is slowly drawing to a conclusion. I sometimes have to remind myself that there’s still a good chunk of the year left to make some progress towards those intentions I set back in January - the gifts to my future self.
So, in the last three months of the year, what are you working towards? What can you start today that will contribute to a happier future you?
Why not set some intentions with me:
Something small that I will do for myself this week is....:
[Something achievable, perhaps something you've been putting off. I'll be trying a new gym class that I've been avoiding because it looks too hard!.]
My bigger goal will be… and I will do this by….
[Use this section to re-focus your attention on your bigger picture. What do you want to achieve by the end of December? Why? How will you get there?]
I’m going to need support from….
[You don't need to do this alone! Draw in support from someone you trust. This could be an expert, a friend, a coach. Research suggests that accountability plays an important part in achieving your goals. I'll be taking advice from a personal trainer at the gym, to get out of my fitness comfort zone. I've also confided my goals in a close friend, who will hold me to account!]
Good luck! I'd love to hear how you're getting on!
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