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In this podcast we are going to explore 2 rituals that will assist your preparation for a New Year and New You! The first one is….

Give Thanks in Writing

Gratitude is one of the most studied and most powerful happiness boosters available. Counting your blessings is not only Biblical, but it positions and strengthens your attitude for the coming year. In our digital age it seems that hand written anything has become archaic. It seems “so yesterday and dated!”

Digital signatures are the new methods of the present of our digital age.

My wife worked for a Credit Union in which the President would never allow a corporate mailing to leave his office unless he personally signed each letter. He would sign in a contrasting color of ink so as to communicate a personal touch.

Take the time to prepare a customized “thank-you” card especially designed for you. Write a unique note of gratitude to each of team members, Board of Directors, Vendors, Customers, and closest friends. You might be shocked and surprised at the positive responses you will receive. Customizable thank you cards and giving some of your time is inexpensive in relationship to the impact upon another human being.

Declutter your Space and Your Brain

Changing your literal  environment can have a profound impact upon your ability to think new thoughts! It is time to “CHUCK SOME STUFF!” This can be a trigger to your brain that it is time to let go and move on in your life. Give yourself permission to let go and throw away old stuff!

Perhaps the holidays can be your trigger to seriously declutter your office, a room in your home, garage, files, etc.. Develop a holiday “get-rid-of-my-stuff” agenda. Then begin! Have a ruthless attitude about old stuff! Here are a few suggestions.

• Give away 1-3 items each day during the holidays
• Fill one trash bag today
• Hang all of your clothes in the closet in the opposite direction. Once you wear something, hang it in the correct direction. After 6 months hangers that are not turned in the correct direction – get rid of them!
• Create a 12-12 list. Gather 12 items to throw away and gather 12 items to donate.
• Set out 4 boxes – trash, donate, relocate, keep.

Declutter your schedule by decluttering your digital distractions. Turn off your notification alerts. Learn the art of deep thought/deep work in 90 minute bursts. This is followed by 30 minutes of “get-up-and -stretch” movements and simple tasks.

Clean out your desk and relocate your office furniture to give it a fresh look and feel. Stop feeling “stuffocated”in your workspace and personal space.

LINKS

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Music:  “Wishful Thinking” by Dan Lebowitz

Cucumbers Vs. Pickles