By Akai Jackson
As we bring in the new year of 2024, let’s focus on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This world is ever changing, evolving, it’s not concrete, in fact its liquid. The earth is ¾ water, our bodies are 3/4s water. Meaning fluid, moves and changes with the wind, so we have to adapt and reinvent ourselves. This year let’s prioritize our well-being and welcome the art of transformation. To exist is to change, to change is to mature, and to mature is to create oneself endlessly. It’s a time to reflect on the past, learn from our experiences, and set your sights on the future. So, why not make this the year you truly reinvent yourself for a healthier, more intentional and purposeful life?
Most people are afraid of change. Everyone experiences their own level of fear of change. That’s why comfort zones exist. You’re not alone in these feelings surrounding change. In fact, neuroscience tells us that uncertainty feels similar to failure in our brains. That’s why so many people would rather avoid change because of how uncomfortable the associated feelings can be. I want you to embrace change. Reinventing yourself starts with embracing change. Don’t be afraid to change. You may lose something good, but you may gain something even better. Whether it’s a career shift, a change in mindset, or a personal transformation, be open to the possibilities that change brings. Recognize that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
You will be required to set clear goals. We often make our goal setting extremely difficult right from the start, and certain mistakes are prevalent when we begin to set goals. Setting vague goals – Without specific, concrete goals, there is no plan, no action, and no progress can be tracked whether we have achieved the goal or not. Most people think that writing out their desires will be enough to motivate us and put us to work. But these desires don’t give us any direction for the future. We also tend to set irrelevant goals. These are the types of goals that are not aligned with our values or deeper purpose, and they are not sustainable. Another major factor affecting our ability to set goals and achieve them is our plan of action. Or in most cases, the lack of a plan of action. At the start of the journey, out of pure excitement and motivation, one common mistake that we make is jump right to the goal and start taking lots and lots of action with no method on how to break down a goal, how to keep ourselves motivated, what needs to be done and prioritized. As soon as the initial boost runs out, most people abandon their goals. The difference between January 1st and February 1st for New Year’s Resolutions are the prime examples of this mistake. Success is not a random occurrence; it’s the result of intentional and focused effort. You get to decide and define what success looks like for you in 2024 and break it down into actionable steps. Whether it’s advancing your career, improving your health, or cultivating meaningful relationships, having a roadmap will keep you on track. You want to set S.M.A.R.T goals- Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Time Bound goals.
In this new year I want you to develop a winning and unstoppable mindset. The power of the mind is second to none. I want you to eliminate self-doubt, self-limiting barriers, and negative self-talk. The encouragement is to surround yourself with positivity and affirmations. You have to protect your dream, and your peace at all costs. Extraordinary people do what others won’t and don’t do. Perfection is the goal; excellence will be tolerated.
I will be clear. On your road to success, you will experience hardship, trial, and error. I share that with you, so you aren’t caught off guard. I want you to expect and embrace setbacks. Failure is not the end; it’s a steppingstone to success. We’ve been taught our entire lives that the opposite of success is failure, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The opposite of success is quit. I encourage you to view failures and pain as lessons and opportunities for growth. I want you to look back on past setbacks, understand they were meant to be life lessons not a life sentence to keep you trapped. I want you to use them to propel yourself forward. Remember, success is not about avoiding failure but about bouncing back stronger each time.
I want you to cultivate resilience. Adversity is not the problem. The obstacles you will face throughout 2024 are not the problem. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Adversity is one of the greatest things we could ever experience in this life, and reinventing yourself will require resilience in the face of adversity. I want to tell you that the pain is temporary. When adversity hits, most people want to quit. When pain sets in, and you think that all is lost, know and understand you were trusted with the situation. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and let challenges be the fuel that propels you towards greatness. Greatness is achievable in all of us.
Lastly, it is important to surround yourself with positivity. Your environment plays a crucial role in your journey of reinvention. Choose friends, mentors, and influencers who uplift and inspire you. A positive support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and focused on your goals. Surround yourself with other greats! Surround yourself with those who are going to challenge you and keep you accountable. We want small steps, great distances, and that’s how you reinvent yourself for 2024 and go from existing to excelling.