In 2018 I wrote 7 columns during the year for the Delft op Zondag newspaper to help people create a happier, healthier and more relaxed life by following my transformation plan. I've translated them from Dutch to English with small edits. If you rather read the Dutch versions, you can find them on my website. I'm sharing Column number 1 which was published on April 1st 2018.
In the spring time it’s natural that the itch to tackle things starts to bug us. Nowadays it can be tough to find the necessary extra energy to get things done, because of stress, goals and expectations. For many of us, daily life can already feel like a struggle.
The next coming months I will write 7 columns as a step-by-step plan to a happier, more relaxed life, based on my work at Hart en Ziel. During sessions people not only receive knowledge, but I also help permanently change behavior. I remove old emotions, thought patterns and other blockages.
My greatest wisdom to make a great new start is not to start making plans. First you have to create the energy you need. You need to tackling time and energy wasters. Where does time go that you would rather spend differently? Do you sometimes sit behind PC, TV or phone for too long? Do you help others at the expense of yourself? Remove time wasters and you will have enough energy left to start your new life. Permanently low in your energy? Then effectively organizing your day is even more important.
Divide your new project into feasible steps. Your motivation remains high and therefore so does your energy. So don’t start project: weight loss by going to the gym five times, because starting out nobody can keep that up. Start with some information, trial lessons, better food and more sleep and then you will notice that you get used to your new rhythm faster. Increase your gym time step by step.
It makes sense that occasionally things go wrong, so allow yourself your mistakes. Reflect at the end of the day or week where your energy and attention went. If something had higher priority, and you agree with that, please be satisfied with what you have done, even if it wasn’t what you initially wanted. Have you been distracted? Choose to do something about it, forgive yourself and move on.