The phrase "start with a clean slate" is usually understood as a rejection of previous experiences or situations that have led to stress and negativity.
Most often, the beginning of a "new life" is associated with a critical moment, some kind of crisis. It can be a big life transition, such as graduation, job change, divorce, or serious illness. Or it may be a reaction to the fact that the current lifestyle or balance is no longer satisfying. The signal for change can be the feeling that you are just going through your life without a clear goal or aspiration. Also, a common sign that you need to start all over again is a lack of joy and the presence of frequent and serious stress.
Having the desire to change the situation is normal and appropriate. It's just a desire to improve.
On the one hand, starting life from scratch can be an effective tactic in such circumstances. This can help to get rid of negative patterns of behavior or unnecessary obligations, provide an opportunity to make new acquaintances and explore new interests. It is also a good way to deal with stress, because you take your life in hand, reflect and strive for what you really want, start moving towards what you want.
On the other hand, you need to start something new wisely, taking into account your resources and real needs. For some people, drastic changes can be beneficial and liberating, while for others gradual transitions and transformations are more suitable.
Well, you need to understand that in fact we never start from scratch. It's impossible. After all, even starting a new life, we work with past experiences, reflect and do not have the opportunity to reset completely. We don't fill an empty vessel with something new, but we update what we have and add something. It gives us the opportunity to see things from a new angle.
Many of us think symbolically and think about changes for the New Year, because it can be associated with renewal, a new beginning.
There is logic in this, because the New Year is a conditional division of time. Many people use this occasion to gather their thoughts, take stock, and start planning their way forward.
But it is worth remembering that, firstly, this separation is very symbolic and with the advent of the new year, life will continue to remain completely in your hands.
And secondly, you need to approach everything wisely. Especially if it concerns your personal growth and changing the fundamental foundations of life, to which you have managed to get used for a long time. Therefore, it is not always worth rushing to start something new by the New Year. If you have been planning these changes for a long time and have been preparing for them in advance, then it makes sense. If you abruptly decided to change the fundamentals of your life in December, then you should not rush.
If there is not much time left before the holiday, but you are determined to start changing something, you can take a few steps.
Any business should start with a reserve of strength. But often by the end of the year they run out. That is why you should not plunge into changes with your head. Start by objectively assessing how much resources you have left and how much rest you need.
There is nothing wrong with a break, you can rest with a clear conscience for a while, after which you can start changing your life with renewed vigor. Perhaps, after a rest, you realize that some of the things that worried you no longer bother you.
If you feel that you have no strength, postpone all the next steps for later.
It's not a bad idea to start a new life by listing the achievements that you already have. Remember what you have achieved over the past year, what internal and external transformations have taken place in your life.
To do this, you will have to focus and try to take into account even the smallest advances. You can break down achievements by areas: family, career, friends, vacation, and so on.
When you're done, maybe you'll realize that the year wasn't so bad. You will see where you have succeeded, and in which area it really makes sense for you to change something in the future.
Right before the New Year, you can try to answer yourself the questions: "Am I really sure it's time to start over? Do I really have to leave what I have? Or is it just a period that I have to go through?" Think about it carefully. Remember that your life right now is not your whole life.
Determine what exactly you want to change. The appearance of a feeling of dissatisfaction may be common, but it is important to determine exactly what the need for change is.
It is quite possible that a creative approach will suit you. Treat your new life like a blank slate. Draw or describe what you already have and what you don't want to get rid of and give up. And now continue to fill this sheet with new desires and needs. Do not limit yourself, but remember that your resources should be distributed without discomfort for you.
If you still decide that you should start with a clean slate, take your time to completely change everything from January 1. Instead, try to outline exactly what you would like to change, how much time you might need to do it, and what you can do to do it.
Even the biggest changes can be decomposed into smaller and less stressful steps. This will make it easier for you to move towards your goal.
It is important to remember that drastic changes involve great responsibility and require a lot of effort and time. Therefore, act gradually.
Let's say that at the end of this year or the beginning of next year you have drawn up some kind of action plan, written out your goals and the steps necessary to achieve them. This does not mean that the plan cannot be changed. It's just your tool. You can check with him throughout the year, check whether your wishes are still relevant to you, whether you have really estimated the deadlines. Adjust the plan depending on life circumstances.
Focus on this image and try to understand what kind of person he is, this person who has achieved the goal. What does he feel, what does he look like? You can mentally ask him for advice or support for yourself today.
Introspection helps us to better understand our feelings, our "I" and our needs — proper reflection can work like cleaning our heads.
Introspection needs to be learned, and you can regularly conduct such an audit of yourself. Fix your thoughts during the ups and downs, your doubts and beliefs. Learn to identify your real desires. To do this, you can not only observe yourself, but also keep a diary, regularly set some small goals and record steps on the way to these small achievements. You can also discuss your thoughts with loved ones with whom you have built a trusting relationship.
Thanks to this "cleaning" and close contact with yourself, you will no longer need to dramatically change your life on one day, for example, before the New Year. You can adjust something that doesn't suit you along the way.
You can enter a new life on your own, but sometimes it may require a lot of work. And if you feel that you are not coping with it yourself, think about therapy. Working with a psychologist can help you recover resources lost under stress and become more ready for change, as well as realize which direction to move in.
