The Power of Reframing: Gift Yourself New Perspectives

How a homeless guy shifted my perspective in 10 seconds

Everyone is offering advice on becoming your best self in 2025 – "New Year, New You," and all that.

I thought about doing this too, after all, most of the things that I cover in my online courses (and my forthcoming book) are about how to make life easier and get more free time and freedom to do as you please.

However, unless you’re in the right frame of mind, any resolution or new habit that you start this January is unlikely to work.

There are many reasons for this: reduced self-control, poor focus, negative emotional associations to name but a few. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Let me share what happened to me on NYE 2024.

At my in-laws', I shared a bed with my toddler daughter. She kept nearly rolling off, leaving me constantly on edge. It was my worst night's sleep in ages.

Exhausted, I escaped the festivities to run errands and catch a glimpse of the sea. That's when I spotted him – a homeless man talking to himself as he walked toward the beach.

The weather was wild and suffocating. Waves crashed rhythmically, their force stinging my face.

He veered left, laying his sleeping bag near a beach hut, desperately trying to stay warm.

Image created by author using DALL-E

In that moment, watching the raw beauty of the waves, reality hit me: I was complaining about one bad night's sleep while this man hadn't known warmth or real rest in years.

We get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to step back and gain perspective. Without reframing our situation through gratitude and appreciation, any new habits we try to build rest on shaky ground.

Our mindset is the foundation for success. Building on fear, anger, anxiety, or unhappiness makes positive change nearly impossible.

So before diving into 2025, try this:

1. Set a 5-minute timer. Write down everything you truly appreciate – your health, loved ones, the roof over your head. Don't stop until time's up. The longer you stay in this grateful mindset, the more positivity you'll attract.

2. Fast forward to December 31, 2025. You're celebrating with loved ones, reflecting on an incredible year. What did you achieve in work, fitness, hobbies, friends, and family life? Tell each success as a story.

3. Examine your stories. Are they compelling? How could you transform them from average to extraordinary?

For example, instead of: "I lost 4kg this year", try: "I discovered my perfect balance of healthy eating and exercise, shedding 4kg while still enjoying wine nights with friends."

Feel the difference?

Keep crafting your stories until you've designed a 2025 that excites you. Record them or post them somewhere visible. Review them often.

Most importantly, enjoy the process – life should be an adventure.

Here's to your best year yet.

-Selda

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