Get ready for the five-step fresh start

Feeling a little lacklustre as the New Year rolls in? Maybe it’s time to take stock, think about the future and make a plan. It’s never too late to make a change.

Here’s our five-step plan to a happier – and more successful year. We call it the Five-Step Fresh Start:

1. Clear the desk

Cluttered desk, cluttered mind. Marie Condo (author of the #1 New York Times best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) is actually onto something. We’re not expecting you to ask whether each box of old files or discarded computer speaks to your heart and then thank them for their service, but cleaning and organising is good for your environment and your wellbeing. By tidying up your workspace, you’ll make room for clarity and focus.

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2. Decide what’s important

Think about your life now. What makes you truly happy? Now think about how much time you actually spend doing the things that make you happy? Next, picture yourself five years from now. Then 10 years. Are you making the right choices now that will enable you to live the future you dream of? And remember, nobody dies saying, “I wish I spent more time in the office making money for other people!”

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3. Research your options

It’s easy to get caught up doing what you’ve always done, but rest assured, there’s always another way. Step 3 may sound easy but it’s often where people fall over, and it’s usually because of one of two reasons: Not keeping an open mind or letting fear in. When doing your research, include every possibility, even if you think it’s not an option. Find out what is working for others. You might just have to think outside the box. And don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith, just make sure you have an exit strategy (which brings us to step 4.)

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 4. Make a plan

Your plan should lay out all the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. This could include talking to people – accountants, lawyers, business brokers and/or other people who are doing what you want to do, e.g. small business owners. You may also have to do more research, get your finances in order, let loved ones know and/or learn new skills. And don’t forget your exit strategy. This is the contingency plan – what will you do if it doesn’t work out? If all your ducks are in a row, then you significantly minimise the risk.

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 5. Implement

Now, it’s over to you to get on with your five-step fresh start. You’ve done the legwork, now it’s time to take the plunge. You’ll never know until you try and there’s a strong chance that one day you’ll look back and ask “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

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