January is an unusual time of the year and for some, it can be a real struggle and for others, a time to enjoy the quiet and rest from the madness of December. So why is it that the month can be so polarising?
*The difficulties can be associated with the loss of loved ones or reflecting on past memories. This can make the month especially painful and poignant, equal to other months for those who have experienced such loss. This article is not meant to at all invalidate anyone's experience in this situation, but rather to offer a different perspective on how we might navigate the month, while fully acknowledging the grief and challenges that come with it.
For some of us, January feels like a never-ending 'month of Mondays' - the dreaded start of a long work week where the end seems impossibly far away. Each day feels like a struggle and we're just waiting for the week to be over. In our minds we are thinking, "I hate January" and wish the month would just hurry up and end.
However, for some, January feels more like a 'month of Sundays' - time to slow down, relax and focus on self-care. Recovering from Christmas, eating a little healthier, curling up on the sofa and binge watching our favourite TV series to unwind. A time to reset and recharge before the routine and craziness of the year starts again.
What causes some of us to feel one way about January while others experience it differently? And who’s actually making the most of the month? I believe it all comes down to our mindset. How we choose to view January is completely our choice.
I personally love January. Many years ago, I decided to change how I viewed the month, and now I see it as a time for myself. Of course, everyone experiences Christmas differently but for me December is a very social time. So, I use January to recover from the hectic month, take time out to rest and hibernate.. I balance out the eating and drinking from December to chilling and eating healthily and preparing for what the year ahead has in store.
By changing our perspective however, takes effort, but the impact can be truly transformative. As Albert Einstein famously said, 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' So if we want to change how we see and experience January, we need to try something different. For some, this can feel daunting, especially if past attempts at change have petered out.
*Day 19 of any change is often the day a lot of people give up. The initial motivation has waned and the results are not fully realised. Consistent daily repetition is the most important factor in making a behaviour automatic. On average, it takes about 66 days to form a new habit, and for many, that can feel like a long time.
So, how can we change our mindset? A good start is whenever a thought comes into our mind, such as 'I hate January,' is to recognise it. This is self-awareness.
Once we recognise the thought, we can then change the statement e.g. 'I actually quite like January.' Even if, at the time, we don't believe it, the key is to keep going. The new thinking will eventually change automatically and we will start to observe a shift in our behaviour and mindset. This tool can be used for any negative thought we want to change.
As we all navigate through January, whether it feels like a month of Mondays or a month of Sundays is, in many ways a choice we make. Embracing a mindset shift can transform this time of year into a rejuvenating period of self-discovery and preparation for the months and year ahead. It can also kickstart a broader mindset change in many other areas of our lives as we we begin to see the positive effects of approaching challenges differently.
How do you see January? Is it a month of Mondays or a month of Sundays for you? Is it time to make a change if your mindset? If you would like any further information on this, please contact JennyB.
Thanks as always for reading.
JennyB
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