Given the current state of the world, it is natural to look to the future with wishful optimism. Even if things were not quite as strange as they are right now, it is around this time of year that people tend to positively prepare (even if it is just mentally) for the coming year. Many people try to envisage all the wonderful things that might happen, the exciting new people they might meet and much more. Generally speaking, as the new year approaches, human beings tend to set extremely high expectations for the future. As I mentioned, this is simply part of the human condition. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s beneficial. In fact, given the current state of the world, I think setting exceedingly high expectations for the future can have a large negative impact on people, because the current levels of uncertainty are unprecedented. The sheer amount of uncertainty means it will be rather difficult for a person’s high expectations to be met, which can, in turn, cause severe long-term damage to said person. If I am right, you might be concerned and you might ask: So what should we do instead? My answer is, on the surface at least, quite simple – I think we ought to focus more closely on our inner selves by swapping our expectations for appreciation. In doing so, I believe that we will be better equipped to recognise the good things around us, which will help us to develop the best possible mindset for the new year. One way of achieving a good mindset for the new year is through meditation. By adding meditative and spiritual practices to your daily routine, you increase your chances of connecting with yourself. This means that you are more likely to understand your needs, wants, strengths, and so on, which will enable you to better channel your energy and appreciate yourself. In general, understanding oneself is arguably one of the hardest tasks that mankind faces, but it is made a great deal easier by meditation. In my experience, after having channelled my energy in a more effective manner, I was able to experience greater levels of fulfilment and happiness, so I would highly recommend meditation for anyone who may be struggling. What is more, meditation is also extremely useful if you need a relaxing break from the world, a mental clear-out, or just some general alone-time! In my eyes, meditation is a valuable practice because it allows you to focus on how you’d like to progress. Since progress is what fuels a lot of our happiness, and since progress is often part of one’s expectations for the new year, it is really important to be able to think about it sustainably and rationally. Meditation allows you to do this because it forces you to take control of the situation, as opposed to just allowing your mind to run blindly and wishfully. Moreover, meditation is the foremost method for developing a life philosophy that is attuned to progress, as well as a strategy that will allow for self-fulfilment, whilst remaining present and grateful. Moving away from meditation for a moment, I think it is extremely important to focus on self-love as one goes into a new year. It is easy to think about the things you would like to achieve, but it sometimes harder to reflect on the good things you already have achieved. It is not altogether clear why this is the case, but there are several ways to resolve the issue. One way of doing so is through gratitude cards – small bits of paper that detail all the amazing things in your life. These cards make the process of positive reflection really simple, thereby helping you to appreciate what you have. Alternatively, picture boards, voice recordings and conversations can be useful tools for achieving a positive and appreciative mindset. A positive mindset can also be attained through showing love to others. This is the case because an increase in the happiness of others can often lead to an increase in one’s own happiness. It is important, however, to establish a good balance between self-love and love for others. An imbalance either way could have negative consequences for oneself and others, so it is important to keep this in mind. In summary, by focusing on your inner self, and by appreciating the things you have around you, I think you are more likely to develop a positive and sustainable mindset for the new year. For a lot of us, the new year will come with many challenges and unexpected turns. But, with our appreciative and powerful mindsets in place, we are perfectly ready to tackle anything that comes our way. We will, in other words, be equipped with one of the highest powers available to mankind – the power of the positive mindset.
