The New Year is nearly upon us. And so too come the New Year resolutions. Up there in the list of self-betterment is usually weight loss for the purpose of looking better and feeling better. Usually the attainment of this resolution will be via diets and physical activity.

As a student I worked in a hardware store. Come spring we’d sell tons of lawn fertiliser. There was the instant green up type, and the slow release. The instant green would do just that – overnight browned lawns would turn emerald-green. They’d grow a stack of leaf – and you’d have to mow almost daily for a fortnight after which … it would turn brown again. Hit it with instant green and the lawn would bounce right back – it was like a sugar fix.

On the other hand, the slow release fertiliser had the right nutrients (or diet so to speak) for the lawn to slowly come good. Not only did it grow strong leaf, but the lawn also put down stronger roots to help it to survive the heat of summer. One feed would last a season.

This year, my encouragement to you is to stop thinking of rapid and miraculous transformation and start thinking of self-nourishment. Nourishment of body mind and spirit.  Lay down strong roots – good habits – and your foliage will flourish.

These are my three top tips for self-betterment this year.

1. NOURISH YOUR MIND

“Ordinary people seek entertainment. Extraordinary people seek education and learning.” -Benjamin Hardy

The strongest people I know have strong roots – just like the grass. They have formed good habits over time. Importantly they surround themselves with people who encourage them to be better people.

Your mind has the power to overrule old habits and to lead you to safety or further into harm. It makes sense then to feed your mind the right nutrition. Practice healthy thoughts. Do crossword puzzles, learn a language, and take a class just for you. Practice what it is you want to achieve – over and over again. Do one thing every day that makes you happy. Mix with people who encourage you up to where you want to be. Just remember it is easy to be dragged down by negative people. Be careful whom you accept advice from.

2. NOURISH YOUR BODY

“If we want to live every day with an abundance of energy so we can perform our best and live a long, healthy life, we must choose to eat more foods that are food for our health and give us sustained energy.” -Hal Elrod

The healthiest people I know do not diet – like feeding resilient grass they practice good nutrition. Leave the shakes and bars on the shelf and think about real, simple food.

• Eat the colours of the rainbow
• Meat portions (if you eat it) no larger than the palm of your hand
• Lightly cook food
• Simple herbs for additional interest
• Respect the food you put in your body

Fill your fridge with the best produce that you can afford, visit the market – prod, sniff and query before you buy. Appreciate the natural flavours of simple, fresh food. Chew your food slowly, appreciate the flavour and give thanks to any life that was given up (including the carrot) to feed you. Cook together as a family and eat together around the table. Enjoy conversation.

3. NOURISH YOUR SPIRIT

“Live like no one else now, so later you can live like no one else.” -Dave Ramsey

The happiest people I know are strong in their spirit. Outwardly their shell may not reflect a model of health. I have met numerous fit, chiselled and disciplined individuals who are haunted, challenged and weak in spirit.

Climb a mountain, listen to the wind, gaze at the stars and dance in the rain. Teach a skill to a child, learn something from an elder and listen to the story of a refugee. Humble yourself. Keep a journal. Practice gratitude. And even on your worst day, search for and speak one positive thing.

4. TRANSFORMATION TAKES TIME

The greatest failure of the New Year’s Resolution is too much change too soon. Think of the river that over time cuts a canyon. Forming healthy habits takes time and practice. Be prepared for slippage. Transformation is a learned behaviour that takes practice. Be it new activities, revised nutrition or dealing with conflict – practice practice practice.

Most of all – practice kindness. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. And remember: “Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen.”

5.SEEK HELP

Strong, healthy people know where to go to seek help.  Even the wisest sage has a mentor, the fittest coach has their own coach – the wealthiest person still seeks wise counsel.

As a business owner I have sought out some pretty awesome people who I trust and refer others to.  Is there something you need help with?  Get in contact – I’d love to introduce you.