Making the most of a fresh start

Fresh starts take place in your life every day. We evolve. We grow. We fall down and stumble our way back to find our footing.  The term “fresh start” has a warm, exciting sound to it, but the reality is that something new isn’t always something you look forward to.  Trust me, there have been many times when I go kicking and screaming into a “fresh start” because I would much prefer to stay warm and cozy with what is known.  Sometimes “fresh start” is actually just a very nice way of saying “starting from scratch”…and that can be terrifying.  Change is good, but it also comes with a truckload of worry.

For me, clean slates take a ton a patience.  I have a problem with wanting everything to be PERFECT.  Meaning, I sometimes can’t even get out of the gate because everything isn’t in its perfect place.

Even with this site, it has been hard for me to move forward when it is still in the process of transformation.  There was a huge part of me that wanted to wait until the new layout was done, the books were finished, and I had everything in place.  I was afraid that my message wouldn’t be acknowledged unless it was presented in a beautiful package.  Old habits die hard.

As Julia Cameron says “Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead”.

So, I am here with you, trying to learn that clean slates, fresh starts and CHANGE don’t always come in the prettiest box.  We must be patient.  We must.

Yet, how can you make the most of a fresh start – especially when it’s proving difficult?

What we need to wrap our minds around is the fact that an unfamiliar position or situation serves as an opportunity for us to utilize talents we never knew we had.

It gives you the chance to challenge yourself and see just what you’re made of. Are you ready to do this with me?

Here are some tips I have gathered and depended on to help you make the most of your fresh start:

1. Embrace it with an open mind. As scary as your fresh start may seem at first, it’s really important that you embrace it with an open mind. You’ve likely seen situations in the past that turned out to be only half as bad as you had anticipated. How many times have you stressed over a possible senario, only to have it go smoothly without any incident?  Anticipation with anxiety can make anything seem worse than it is, so make a conscious effort to keep an open mind.

• Remind yourself that newness brings with it exciting opportunities to prove your capabilities. Amaze yourself!
• Less is sometimes more, and knowing less about something you’re about to embark on makes it more rewarding when you conquer it!

2. Begin with the end in mind. Okay, so your fresh start has you feeling a little nervous and insecure. But have you stopped to consider what you want the outcome to be in the end? By knowing the desired outcome, you can plot the path to getting there.

• Consider how you’d ideally want the situation to turn out.
• Assess whether your ideal scenario is actually a realistic outcome.
• If it’s realistic, start making a step by step plan that will take you where you want to go. Baby steps!
• At this point, you might start getting really excited about your fresh start. Don’t let the fear of not being perfect get in the way.

3. Faith is stronger than any fear, doubt or insecurity you may have, so feel free to rely on it when you need to.

• Remember how your faith has gotten you through tough situations in the past.  Remember your strength. Remember your fortitude.
• Believe in yourself and everything else will fall into place. I promise you on this one!

4. Liken it to a past experience. There’s a saying that goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” If you’ve had similar starting points in the past and are here now to tell about them, it means you’ve made it through them!  We do not give ourselves enough credit for the adversity we have forged against.  And if they were anything like your newest fresh start, chances are you’re more than capable of making it through this one.

You have what it takes to make the most of a fresh start and come out with a positive experience to be proud of. It is not always easy, but it is worth it.  Everytime. 

Go after this new situation with all the gusto you’ve got because you know you’re equipped with the tools to win!