16 Ways to Change Your Life This Winter

Well, Charlotte had its first snow of the season, followed by ridiculously cold weather and black ice covered roads. That kind of weather makes you want to pull the covers over your head. Now that the holidays are over, but the cold and dark days are still with us, our impulse is to retreat into our homes and wait for spring. But these last few months of winter could really be a productive time. Leave the hibernating to the bears while you spend the winter making positive changes in your life.

The possibilities are really endless. Start with this list of ideas for your own professional and personal makeover, and add some projects of your own.

Changes to Make in Your Professional and Financial Life:

1. Learn new skills. Workplaces these days undergo rapid changes. Continuous learning helps you to remain competitive. Take a class that will certify you for project management or a popular software package. Become a notary. Shadow another employee who has a job that interests you. Your employer may be willing to reimburse you for the expenses if it’s related to your current responsibilities.

2. Attend networking events. Browse online or check the calendar in industry publications to find events that can help your career. For one thing, it gets you out of the house.  A second benefit is that you meet all kinds of people at these events.  I met some of my best friends while networking for my business. You can also make great connections if you should decide you want to change careers or companies.

3. Reach out to former colleagues.  When was the last time you talked with a former supervisor? Staying in touch keeps your network strong.  Think about sending them an email, maybe a link to an intriguing article that you’ve read, or even inviting them out to lunch.

4. Tidy up your office. I’m putting this in the professional section, but why not use these winter months to tidy up and declutter in general. Banishing clutter makes it easier to think clearly. Develop a filing system that works for you, and clear off your desk at the end of the day. Don’t wait for “spring cleaning” – when that nice weather finally arrives, you want to be out in it!

5. Use your vacation days. How many of us fail to use even the measly vacation days that are allotted to us? Studies show that taking time off from work for a real vacation actually makes us more productive.  Why not plan an exotic adventure or a family getaway?

6. Update your resume. Keeping your resume current is a smart move even when you’re not actively searching for a job.  It will be easier for you to track your accomplishments and think about your career path.

7. Pay off debts. This is what I am focusing on this winter.  Becoming debt-free reduces stress and raises your future standard of living. Although it may go against popular methods, I start with the smallest balance first and pay as much on that as I can each payday until it is paid off.  Then I add what I was paying on that to the next smallest bill. Doing it that way creates great momentum.  There’s lots of great books on the subject...and seek the help of a counselor if you need more assistance.

8. Increase your savings. Put money aside from each paycheck. You’ll feel more secure preparing for your retirement or your children’s college education.

Changes to Make in Your Personal and Spiritual Life:

1. Meditate daily. Mindfulness helps you to feel peaceful and accomplish more. Set aside time each day for quiet contemplation.  Even just a few minutes per day makes a big difference.

2. Eat more vegetables. I can’t even believe I just wrote that! The truth is though that consuming more vegetables and fruits is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make to your diet. Try adding one additional serving a day for a week.

3. Limit processed food. Do you ever look at some of the labels on our food?  Half the stuff I can’t even pronounce, let alone know what it is! Replace processed foods with whole foods. You’ll avoid excess sugar and salt and unhealthy fats.

4. Exercise regularly. No, I haven’t been kidnapped.  It’s really me typing this! If there is one thing that I learned from caring for my Dad in his last years, is that if you don’t use it – you lose it.  He did not like to exercise and at the end, he really had mobility issues because he had no strength.  He could not get out of the car or his recliner without help.  He couldn’t reach down to put his socks on. Make exercise less ugly, by finding something that you like to do.  Take a walk each day or go running in the park or by the ocean.  Play a sport. Join a gym and take classes – yoga or Pilates. STRETCH.

5. Sleep well. Give your body good quality rest and sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends.  Darken your bedroom, and block out distracting noises with a fan or a white noise machine.

6. Manage your stress. I know this is easier said than done, but stress can lead to chronic inflammation – among other things. Experiment with practices like yoga, getting a massage or listening to instrumental music.

7. Enjoy family dinners. It can be difficult to carve out family time in a busy schedule. Try to designate at least one night each week when you can sit down to dinner and talk over a nutritious meal.

8. Make new friends. Maybe you moved to a new city, or you find that you now have less in common with your old college friends. Expand your circle by meeting others who share your current interests. Start a book club or join a neighborhood association.  Meetup.com is a great way to find groups with similar interests.

By the time spring arrives, you will greet it with a sense of optimism and a host of constructive new habits. Your future will look brighter when you spend the winter taking steps to make your life more healthy, joyful, and meaningful.

Until next time,

xo Jamie Le xo

Go Happy Yourself!!