New year, new you; right now is the ideal moment to start fresh. You wish to improve, move forward, and in order to do that, it is important to adopt a fresh mindset, because this is the type of fruitful environment where all action germinates. Here are some helpful tips and ideas to help you jumpstart this process and open your mind to new possibilities. Make these suggestions your own, rearrange and alter as needed, and find what works best for you!

1 - Make a list of positive actions

To help you with the big picture, make a list of all the positive actions that you or the people around did in 2020. Keep this list on your fridge to remain inspired throughout the year, and do not hesitate to create a new list as 2021 evolves.

“Action begins with positive and progressive thought.” — Dax Dasilva

2 - Act at the level of your capacities

The mere act of engaging in a positive action is all that matters. One action — as tiny as it may seem — can have an impact that you may not have anticipated. Do not overthink your actions or try to judge. Just focus on implementing an action per month, then one per week, then one per day. If you are lacking ideas, refer yourself to Dax Dasilva’s “Acts of Unions”. It is the perfect way to start having ideas of what you can do, where you can start.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein

3 - Do not be scared of failing

Not succeeding is scary. When faced with a task that feels impossible, some people do not even try it because it is more reassuring and there is no risk of failure. A baby does not stop trying to walk even after a hundred falls. We should do the same. The less scared of failing you are, the more opportunities will naturally start presenting themselves in your life and you will have no choice but to be part of it.

“I have not failed 10 000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that these 10 000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work” — Thomas Edison

4 - For each challenge, a solution

Sometimes, a problem exists only from the perspective we are looking at it. Try to open your mind and view the challenge from a variety of angles. One will realize that there is always a solution or an alternative. Such a state of mind brings positivity within and around you. Before criticizing something, being yourself, an action being made, or someone else, only verbalize your concern when you are able to propose a solution. This is the best way to be proactive and make things move.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” — Albert Einstein

5 - One step at a time

Identify what you are good at and make a list of your skills. Throughout this coming year, on the side of each skill, write for what great purpose you used it (maybe you helped an NGO, gave some useful advice, coached a young person, you’ve been more sustainable in your decisions, etc.). You will see at the end of the year that much can be done and that you can make a difference in your own way.

“One individual cannot possibly make a difference alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference.” — Jane Goodall

CREDITS

Article written by Mariette Raina. Mariette Raina writes articles discussing environmental, spiritual and artistic subjects. Mariette has a Master's degree in Anthropological studies and vast experience within the Fine Arts field. She has contributed to numerous projects for Dax Dasilva since 2016. She is currently Head of Research for Age of Union.

Photos from the Unsplash platform
Photo 1 Sead Dedićon
Photo 2 Cathryn Laveryon
Photo 3 Age of Union
Photo 4 Alysha Roslyon
Photo 5 Ashley Whitlatch
Photo 6 Simon Migaj