The Courageous Discipline to Start Anew

The freshness of the New Year typically brings a rejuvenated sense of awareness and purpose to lifestyle changes. Some of these we have postponed for weeks, months and even years leading up to Jan. 1.

This analogy that 365 blank pages of opportunity await us can excite and motivate us to take that crucial step forward on our holistic and self-discovery journeys. Yet once the exhilaration of the fresh beginning settles, the real questions and reflections ultimately come back to the habits and the systems we have in place to transform our lives.

James Clear, the best-selling author of Atomic Habits, frequently reminds us: “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement... You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

This year, we have the unique opportunity to break down our personal growth into deliberate action steps. Doing less than more will be pivotal as we pursue our dreams and design the lifestyle we covet. Our dreams only work if we do. If we lose momentum because we have taken on too many new goals and lifestyle changes this month, we will suffer the adverse effect of the enthusiasm around the New Year. In the process, we will anchor our dreams.

We will never get to the desired end of the week, month or year if we overlook the day in front of us. Reimagining how we think about enriching our physical, emotional and mental well-being through the habits we build and the systems we incorporate becomes the birthplace for authentic and sustainable personal transformation.

So, realize a New Year is only a new beginning if we dare to begin anew. Let us amass the courage in 2022 to do what’s right — not just what’s comfortable — even if it’s in the face of fear. We have an obligation to actively show up every day for ourselves and those we lead with purpose and intention, even on days we do not feel our best.

The past is gone, and the future is yet to come, so wherever we are right now on our journey is the starting point to begin and build. As we continue to welcome the New Year with grace and gratitude, let’s cultivate the courage each day to step into the fire of self-discovery and self-leadership.

It will never harm us. It will only burn what we are not.

We unlock our greatness by working on the hard things. How to Begin is the practical guide that shows you how.

How to Begin is the blueprint for anyone who’s felt stuck or stymied … and wants to be more ambitious for themselves and for the world in 2022.