Open Minded Magic. Finding Your Groove in Heading into 2023.

By Angeli Marie Shaw

Here we are again. Another year coming to an end, bringing in another new year. Most use this time for reflection, a way to ponder what was, what has happened and even what we could’ve done differently, but here’s your reminder…. You did FANTASTIC!

No matter where you’re at in this very moment, you made it here because of YOU. Your decisions, responses, actions are what has led you to this very moment. You may have expanded your business, or even downsized, completely restructured or for some, finished up your salon journey.

Regardless, no one knows your journey like you, so if you find you’re being hard on yourself or taking outside critique to heart, stop it, and focus on the things that you have achieved, great and small.

’Now I know, what I’m saying is easier said than done, but it CAN be done! I know, I’ve done it, and you can too!

So how can we create ‘open minded magic’ heading into the new year? Here are my tips….

1. Live like a child – as you go about your life in the lead up to and into the new year, try to imagine everything you hear, see and feel is happening for the first time. Sometimes we tend to switch off because we think we know a situation, or because of past experience we feel we already know what’s going to happen. Having this way of thinking can makes things feel and appear boring and mundane, even stressful, so I suggest keeping this phrase in mind, ‘not always so’ to remind yourself that each situation is unique!

2. Drop the ego – it’s a common trait to need to be right in certain situations or justify why things are or have turned out the way they have. If you find yourself making excuses for the year gone, it might be time to ponder whats behind this inclination. Is it because you feel that you aren’t where you wanted to be?

Perhaps your set goals went out the window or your business plan took a sharp turn? What if I asked you to put those aside and focus on what you have done? What you have achieved? I mean honestly, if the last few years have taught us something it’s that we really are resilient beings and can overcome some huge hurdles! So no matter how your year panned out, celebrate you and what you’ve achieved!

3. Ask questions – It can be a natural impulse to give immediate answers. It could be regarding a work issue, or perhaps a friend that’s needing advice, but try holding back that impulse to answer immediately. As leaders you may feel that it’s your job to provide the answers straight away, but first, ask questions and gather more details.

Practice listening and observing and try to watch and hear with curiosity. Doing so will help you grow, provide a more rounded picture of the situation and make the person you are dealing with feel more heard. It may even lead to more effective dilemma/problem solving. This not only applies to seeking answers from within yourself but also when replying to others

4. Practice empathy – Practicing empathy helps us regulate our emotions, connect with others and feel less isolated. It allows us to think of others and look for ways to help. Imagine if all of us thought like this! Building connections is hugely important for our wellbeing and is the very basis of human relationships. We feel valued, loved and cared for and recently, this was especially needed during times of rapid change, like the recent pandemic.

But did you know empathy can also serve as an organisational superpower? Empathy is linked with effective team collaboration, increased morale and more inclusive attitudes at work; industry-wide if you look at the bigger picture. It’s a skill that can be cultivated and developed and allows us to relate to each other across three dimensions – cognitive, emotional and behavioural. It’s never too late to practice empathy, so start now!

5. Operate from a clean slate – This doesn’t mean that everything that happened in the last year is going to disappear but treat the new year like a bit of a reboot. Reboot your thoughts, your actions, your business plan and personal goals. You now have an opportunity to turn previous wrongs into rights, do things that you wish you had of done, take the things you have learnt and apply them and move forward in your attempt to build a happy life for yourself!

When we fall into cramped mental spaces of frustration and dissatisfaction, it’s easier to become depressed, go into denial, or become disconnected from the amazing world around us. The true nature of our minds is still there, even in the background, vast, spacious and totally open to possibility.

Imagine putting space around your thoughts, allow your mind to breathe and allow this to help you see things from a wider angle, beyond any limiting thoughts, opinions and beliefs. Make your happiness a priority this coming year. Be welcoming of new experiences, stay curious, ask questions and allow yourself to evolve.

Wishing you all the best as you see out your 2022. Enter the new year with an open mind and open heart. Hold space for others just as you would like space held for you. Teach, don’t preach and always consider yourself a student so you remain open to learning and growing. And remember to always BE KIND! Every action, every word, can make the biggest difference to someone’s day. Make sure your impact is positive!

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor and founder of The Bliss Coach. To get me to work with you and your team in 2023, get in touch by visiting www. theblisscoach.com.au or follow us on our socials @theblisscoach to find out more.