2014. New year, new you, right? Â
How many times have you heard this? And how many times has the person saying it actually changed?  It seems a lot of people want to dump the “old them” so quickly that they forget it’s impossible to do it right after the ball drops.
So how exactly can you look towards the future, and let go of the past that may be holding you back?
Realize it takes time: As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day—it took centuries. So don’t expect an entirely different person in the blink of an eye. Instead, the first step is telling yourself that it make take more than a few days to change.
It takes patience: Perhaps the hardest thing for many people is being patient with themselves. Understand that it is okay to make mistakes on the path towards a new you. Expect yourself to relapse into the past a few times. Instead of beating yourself up when this happens, pick yourself up and pat yourself on the back. You will make mistakes, but how you react to these mistakes is crucial.
Write down progress: Notice you didn’t flip out over something you normally would? That’s good! Sometimes it’s hard to see and remember progress unless you document it. Write down the small changes you’ve made, and when you feel discouraged, look at it. It’s good to have a reminder that you’re moving forward.
Find support: Get a buddy who also wants to move forward and stay in contact with them. It will be tough, so it’s good to have a support system; someone you can text and who’s willing to share in your hardship and motivate you. With a hand on your shoulder, you’ll feel more optimistic and ready for what’s ahead.
Be realistic: Don’t think you’re going to turn into a completely different person. There are certain characteristics we all have that make us, well, us! You’re unique!
Get rid of negativity: It’s true when someone says that those around you influence you in some way. And if there’s one person around you that’s a real pessimist, you’ll begin to only view things that way. Slowly distance yourself from people who hold you back from your goal. It can start with not replying to every single text, or just not reacting to their negativity. In time, they’ll get the hint and you’ll feel free. Who wants to surrounded by negativity—24/7?!
As the year goes on, I wish you all the best of luck through this New Year!