What Matters Most?

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~~W. Dyer Deep into the holiday season, up to your eyeballs in wrapping paper and end-of-quarter details, you may've had little time to think about the new year that's fast upon us. After the hubbub of the holidays subsides, and 2017 slides right on in, On the one hand, January 1st may be like any other day. On the other hand, it's the beginning of a new year, one full of uncertainties and possibilities. One way to ready yourself for all that 2017 will bring is to Count Your Blessings. Like grandma told you, this seemingly simple habit of taking time to reflect on what you're grateful for each day actually wards off toxic negativity and loneliness, while it strengthens your immune system (especially key as we enter cold and flu season). And, the fact of counting our blessings serves to shift your thinking, your mindset, by fine-tuning your emotional life. Recalling blessings releases dopamine into your bloodstream, which not only shifts your mood by increasing your sense of satisfaction, but heightens your attention, creating space for new perspectives in your life. Which leads to a second way to get ready for the new year: Reflect on your One Word for the year. Why only one word? Because it's all about perspective. Setting One Word brings what you most care about into focus, with clarity. One Word will help you to align your energies, time, and resources to take effective action. Since energy follows attention, and attention precedes every action, and actions determine results . . . . well, you get the point. Choosing your One Word may just be the key to your new year's success (check out the blog post on One Word,complete with downloadable worksheet to guide you through the process). Lastly, in winding down 2016, prepping yourself for 2017, let me say that I'm grateful for all of you, and can't thank you enough for making our year great...yes, that means you! Wishing you & yours a rest-filled holiday! Chris L. Johnson, PsyD. P.S. Check out the offers below to see if they fit for you, Q4 Consulting, Inc. & commit fully to enjoying each and every moment of this holiday season.