A new year means a new start! So we here at the Shona project want to share some positive and inspiring changes everyone can make to ensure that they have an amazing 2023. This article was sent to us by a lovey community member called Katie and it really got us thinking about how we are going to implement these ideas in our everyday lives. We hope by the end you feel that way too x.
- Don’t wait for the right time to do something, just start.
This idea is one I struggle to put into action, but it’s arguably one of the most important ones on this list. A good story I can use to explain it is this: I made some brownies and instead of eating the brownies, I saved them for the ‘right’ moment to eat them. A time when I would really want them. I think most of us do this with good things; we want them to last. However, I waited for too long and the brownies got mouldy. If I had just decided to enjoy the brownies when I wanted to instead of saving them, I wouldn’t have wasted them completely. I think you can use this mindset for anything. Don’t procrastinate and wait for the right moment to start something, do it when you can. If you spend all your time waiting for something to happen, nothing will. Sometimes you have to just start it yourself.
2. Use every opportunity you are given to its fullest.
Now that I am in Transition Year, I’ve realised that every opportunity I take will help me in the future. Whether it will give me experience, new skills or just memories doesn’t matter. I think that everyone should try new things even if they assume they won’t like them. ESPECIALLY young girls. There’s no need to box yourself in. You will be surprised at all the things you can do if you try things you thought you wouldn’t like. Try everything. You won’t regret it.
3. Some people are never going to try to see your perspective or understand your opinion; it’s ok.
Everyone may not have needed to be told this, but I did. I am a very outspoken person and I enjoy arguing and hearing others’ opinions. However, I do struggle with coming to terms with the fact that no matter how well I articulate an opinion, some people won’t understand it or even try to. When it comes to those people, you just have to leave it. That just means they don’t want to learn, and it isn’t your responsibility to teach them. Walking away from arguments with these types of people protects your peace and won’t leave you frustrated.
4. Real friends will tell you when you’re in the wrong
I hate getting into arguments with those close to me, but sometimes it is necessary. No one is perfect. You will make mistakes. That is part of being human. However, if the people you surround yourself with are too scared to correct you or argue with you, you will never grow. I know your friends are supposed to support you no matter what, but support doesn’t equal agreeing 24/7 with what you do or say. Supportive friends will tell you when you are wrong and because of this you will grow. Supporting someone means helping them develop as a person and staying by them when they do, not protecting their feelings 24/7.
5. It doesn’t matter how naturally something comes to you, without practice you’ll waste your potential
One of my worst habits is procrastinating about doing something, even if I enjoy it or am good at it. Especially when I am good at it. I had to learn the hard way that just because you can do something better than the average person, doesn’t mean they can’t surpass you with effort and practice. If you rely on your natural ability and don’t put effort into your passions or activities, you will always end up feeling like you could’ve done better. If you are good at something, utilise it. Practice and work at it so you become even better because even if you still aren’t the best, you know you actually tried and can improve. I know one of the reasons I don’t try at some things is because I’m worried that even if I try, I will fail. But here’s the thing: everyone would rather try and fail and have something to show for it, than not try and only think of what you could’ve been.
Are you ready to have the best 2023 ever? We know we are!
We’d like to say a massive thank you to our lovely Jambo Katie for writing this post!
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