The beginning of the year is a time of dreaming about the future, setting new goals and striving towards making this year more of a success than the previous one. Most people have realised that New Year’s resolutions don’t work. You need solid goals to pursue. However, most of these goals usually focus on working harder, doing more and becoming better. So much focus is placed on striving forward that we forget an age-old wisdom caught beautifully in the old English proverb: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Many of us grew up with a very strong work ethic and the high pressure circumstances we live in presently, contribute to this idea of always going at full pace, as if work is all there is to life. Although this driven attitude is admirable, and is commended, an exclusive focus on only work, may leave you as a dull or rather burnt-out person.
Just as important as it is to set goals and work hard, it is also crucial that we laugh and experience activities that provide us with enjoyment and energy. You have probably experienced going home after a long day at work, feeling tired and drained. And how a change of activity can fill up your energy reserves again, like when you play with your children, go for a game of squash, or read an intriguing novel. These activities bring balance into our lives. Unfortunately, most people are not so serious about making these activities a priority in their lives.
As with goals for success we need to set some goals for playing and having fun too. Therefore, as you pull out your calendar to set goals for your work also put some of the following events in your diary. Decide what you will do in each category to increase your level of fun and enjoyment.
1. Sport
Some people really enjoy their sport, whether they are taking part in formal competitions, participating informally in the park or just watching their favourite team play. For them sport can instantly lift their mood and change their state of mind. If you are one of them, what are you going to this year to make your particular sport a greater priority in your life?
2. Culture
Cultural activities also have the ability to lift your mood and change your emotional state. Some people will feel uplifted by going to a gig of their favourite Rock band, while others enjoy listening to a symphony orchestra or watching ballet. Others may prefer a poetry reading in front of a log fire or attending a stand-up comedy evening. Whatever your choice of cultural activity may be, they all have one thing in common, whether you are on stage or one of the audience, they can energise and uplift you.
They have a strong influence on our emotions and can provide us with a lot of enjoyment. Which cultural activities have this effect on you and when was the last time you’ve participated in any of these activities?
3. Hobbies
Other activities that have the power to re-energise you, is participating in hobbies. Something that you can immerse yourself in like an excellent novel. You may have experienced being very irritated about something, but the moment you pick that book up, you step into another world and when you step back to the real world again, the irritation has gone. Maybe that happens to you when you watch a good movie or cook a great meal or maybe you find enormous pleasure in being with animals or having a pet. What hobbies or activities give you pleasure and how are you going to make these a bigger part of your life this year?
4. Travel
Is life still an adventure to you? Did you dream about the places you would visit when you were young? Maybe these mystical places were just your grandmother’s back garden or maybe you dreamt of going to the Taj Mahal or Angkor Wat. Some people love to travel and explore different countries and cultures, while others prefer to stay in their hometown or their own country. Whatever your preference may be, do you still get excited by thinking or dreaming about these places? Are there still places you would love to visit or would love to return to? Where will you be going this year?
Focussing on these four areas of your life and setting goals for each one of them, not just for your work life, will increase the positive experience you get out of this year immensely. Do this and you will have an unforgettable year!
Author: Jaco Beukes – Personal Performance and Life Coach – LEAP in Life Coaching and Training
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