Five ways to change your life by "not doing"

We just started a BRAND NEW YEAR and I wonder how yours is going so far because mine started off with a bang! There's a trick to shifting things from negative to positive in life and I'm going to share what it is.

Most people like to use the new year for a fresh start. But how do we make a fresh start when nothing has changed? How do we create something wonderful out of the same old "shit" we're trying to leave behind? And how do we let go of what we have now to reach for what we can't yet see?

These are worthy questions to ponder as we begin a new year. Making desired changes doesn't have to be hard when we know how. So here's a little secret: Changing our life starts with not doing. Once we master the "not doing," we have the space to bring in the "doing" that we want.

Most people are so focused on what to do that they overlook what not to do. Yet this is important. If we keep doing the same things we've always done, we'll keep getting the same things we've always gotten.

Here are 5 things to not do in this new year:

1. Don't choose short-term solutions any more. Make choices that serve you longterm.

Example: If you want to lose 10 pounds, don't rely on "quickie diets" that result in short-term weight loss. Take steps to change your lifestyle for long-term weight management instead, like learning to prepare "grab and go" meals ahead of time that are healthy. Think egg bites, sliced fruit or fruit salads, smoothies, cubed ham or chicken, quinoa, rice and steamed veggies, salmon or tuna salad, boiled eggs, nuts, lettuce wraps with fun fillings, etc.

2. Don't accept hurtful behavior towards you. Set clear boundaries.

Example: If you allow your mate, family or friends to put you down, stop. Tell them you will no longer accept their putdowns and walk away from the "relationship" if you must.

3. Don't make excuses to stay small. Stand in your truth.

Example: If someone close to you judges or diminishes you for taking positive steps, let them know you believe in yourself and won't let their doubts stop you.

4. Don't let your fear stop you. Find a way back to your confidence and personal power.

Example: If you are afraid to make a change because you don't know where it will lead, talk to trusted friends or professionals who can help you come up with a doable game plan you can feel good about.

5. Don't run the same bad habits you ran last year. Shift your energy to feed what serves you.

Example: If you had a habit of staying online too many hours in a day, cut your internet time in half and fill the "extra" time with things that truly nourish you in the long run, like preparing those healthy "grab and go" meals you want, taking up yoga, meditating, exercising, walking in nature, hanging out with dear friends, making art, reading a spiritual book, learning a new skill, etc. Then cut your internet time in half again so you give MORE time to what truly nourishes you.

Devote yourself to these five "not doings" and you'll be amazed at how different your life becomes. Next new year's eve you can look back with success, pride and a lot to celebrate.

Today in particular (January 10th) is a great day to release what doesn't serve you and begin something new that does because it's a full moon and a lunar eclipse—the perfect frequency of energy for bringing things to completion, releasing what doesn't serve you, and getting closure for old loose ends to clear space for what you want.

Remember if you change nothing, nothing changes.