With the northern hemisphere marching steadily towards summer and the days getting shorter down south, change is definitely in the air.
And with the changing season comes an opportunity for growth – reassessing goals and ambitions, looking towards creating better habits, and of course – the chance to add a few new items to your wardrobe!
We take a look at some of the ways you can refresh your life and your look, and usher in a new you for a new season!
Get Involved with a Worthy Cause
As we get older, many of us start to look for ways we can add more meaning to our lives, finding a way to contribute to society, give back or pay it forward.
If that sounds like you, or you’ve been toying with the idea of getting involved in some kind of charitable pursuit for a while, commit to making it happen.
There’s nothing like helping someone in need to add a spring to your step and remind you to be grateful for all the wonderful things in your own life.
Health and Fitness
Whether it’s time for you to start honing that beach body or ward off that winter weight gain, try to find a physical activity that you really love.
Throw out or donate all the junk food in your kitchen so the temptation is no longer there, and focus on buying nourishing whole foods instead.
Up your fresh fruit and veggie intake and use whole grains and starches instead of their unhealthy ultra-processed and refined counterparts.
You’ll feel so good and have so much energy you’ll wish you’d done it sooner – and you’ll look fantastic too!
Take Control of Your Finances
Assessing whether you’re actually saving enough for a comfortable retirement might not be the most thrilling undertaking, but the sooner you know where you stand, the sooner you can take action.
Even if the news isn’t good, a reality check now can make a quite literally life-changing difference to your future.
If you’ve never been able to stick to a budget, make it easy for yourself by having your monthly savings come off automatically after payday so you don’t have to rely on your own willpower.
Dress for the Job You Want
Whether it’s time to step up your game and finally get that promotion, or seek out better opportunities elsewhere, don’t underestimate the power of looking the part.
Knowing you look smart, professional and competent automatically affects the way you and others see you.
Invest in some smart corporate wear to get you noticed at your current company or to give you an extra confidence boost during that important job interview.
Make Time for Loved Ones
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the daily routine and put off making that phone call to a friend or relative.
Make the effort to reconnect, spend quality time together, and meet up with those special people you don’t often get the chance to see.
Even if it’s just a quick text message or email, don’t underestimate the power you have to brighten someone’s day by letting them know you’re thinking of and miss them.
Set Yourself Some Deadlines
Everyone has those goals and ‘nice-to-do’s’ that somehow just keep getting put off.
It might be decluttering your house, starting that online course, learning a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument, traveling, or starting your own veggie garden… the list goes on.
Pick a deadline with a finite date, and this time, stick to it.
Let Go of the Past and the Negative
If you feel stuck in a relationship that hasn’t been working for you for some time, consider moving on.
If you’re not happy with your current career path, explore your options. Get rid of the things that no longer bring you joy, and become more open to new ideas. It’s your life, and it’s your responsibility to decide what stays and what goes.
If there’s an issue you don’t seem to be able to resolve on your own, be brave and ask for the help that you need.
Realize You’re a Work in Progress
While they may appear to suck in the short-term, mistakes and failures really are the key to growth and personal development.
Not everything you try is going to work out well the first time around – and that’s okay! By gaining a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you’re all the more equipped to be the best you can be.