A Fresh Start

01 Jan

01Jan

Aloha is...getting a fresh start with the promise of a new year!

Whether or not you buy into New Year's resolutions, I believe in the power of a clean slate. To me, a clean slate means anything is possible. There's hope!

And where there's hope, there's optimism. Optimism breeds courage, which brings to mind one of my favorite quotes

by Nicholas Murray Butler:

"Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress."

I cannot tell you how many times I've read this quote over and over again in times when I faced big decisions, challenges or periods of growth - as in those times I tried something for the first time.

When you've felt paralyzed by low self-esteem and lack of confidence for the majority of your life like I have, you tend to cling to the words of others to get you through those tough moments. And this one sentence kept me going through a lot of them.

And that's why I love a new year - because it gives you a clean slate, so to speak. Now of course any day of the year is a clean slate, too. But the start of a new year also brings a sense of togetherness that the other days of the year don't bring in that January 1st is a clean slate for everyone at the same time. So, instead of feeling so alone, collectively you can feel a sense of companionship and camaraderie all at once. And, isn't there power in numbers?

Having said that, I also believe in the power of starting over or simply starting again. I believe in second chances. Hell, I even believe in third, fourth and fifth chances until you get it right!

Why? Because you are worth it. Your life is worth it.

You are worth trying and trying until you achieve what it is you want to achieve.

And, what about finding peace, love and happiness?

They are all worth it.

And what if you can't find peace, love and happiness? You create it. Even if it means creating it from scratch!

Also, I believe that second, third or more chances gives you more experience, wisdom and a new perspective with which to see your goals and your growth. I believe the more you try, the closer you will get to reaching your intended goal or you will clarify your goal to one that is best suited for you and adjust accordingly. And, with every attempt you make to reach your intended goal, you grow in confidence and courage since you've already established some experience in the trying. Therefore, there's always something new and different that you can take away from the lessons of your life. You are always learning about yourself and your place in the world. That is where personal growth happens.

So, it is more important than ever to practice self-compassion in the process. Being so hard on yourself for not achieving your goals will not help you achieve them any faster or any better. So, use kind but constructive feedback to adjust your actions to better support and achieve your goal, that's all. Do you know how many failures it takes before becoming successful? Just ask any CEO, pop music artist or sports legend. They've all lost money, written a dud song or missed a shot at some point. It's in the failing that we start winning. Failures make us try harder and smarter. Failure begs to ask the question, "How badly do you want this?"

A new year is not just a fresh start. It's a clean slate and yet another opportunity to create the person you want to become and the life you want to live - one thought, one goal and one action at a time.

So, do it in the spirit of optimism.

Do it in the spirit of worthiness.

Do it with courage and confidence.

And, not only will you achieve your goal, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it because you believed you deserved it.

So, keep dreaming, believing and achieving, my Pineapples, because you are worth it!

Happy Aloha New Year and Aloha Blessings for good health, happiness and success!

Live, Love and Lead with Aloha!

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