As we roll into February, the newness of 2023 has started to wear off. Chances are the 'new year, new me' intentions may have taken a back seat, and you're about to chalk 2023 as yet another year you didn't achieve your NY goals.
And look if you're making progress on your goals (go you!), do let us know how you're sticking to your routine and what has worked for you, but if you're like most of us and could use a little support, here is a reminder: please don't stress because it is never too late to start.
To support your progress on that goals and resolutions list and achieve your vision, we invited some incredible South Asian Australian life coaches for their best bite-sized tips. Here is what they want you to know:
Amardeep Gill: Get clear on what’s important to you
In South Asian cultures, there is often a tendency for conservative cultural values to be pushed down on children to make them follow an ideal/stereotype. I’m sure many readers here can relate to this, and the issue this tendency can create is forcing one to do the things they don't want (whether for your work or broader life). This then leads to regret, dissatisfaction and unfulfillment.
The biggest tip I can give is to get clear on what’s important to you across all areas of life. Think about what you value in your career, relationships, health, finances, or personal growth. Get clear on what’s important, and then start creating more ways to experience those values during your day/week/month. This way, you’ll get more energy, satisfaction, and fulfillment built up within you, and it’ll only get better!
Monica Kalra: "Develop self-compassion"
Self-compassion, for me, implies appreciating and acknowledging my achievements rather than waiting for someone else to validate them. It is about refraining from self-judgment, accepting myself just the way I am, and being constantly conscious of my self-talk. It also implies setting healthy boundaries and prioritising my own needs while not settling for less than what I deserve. It touches us in many ways and can transform our relationship with ourselves and others.
Keeping a gratitude journal, speaking kindly to ourselves, and celebrating our small wins are some strategies I recommend that would benefit people in cultivating self-compassion in 2023 and beyond.
Niti Nadarajah: Connect with your core values
Once you connect with your core values, you unlock the ability to live an aligned and more purposeful life and to create meaningful boundaries that support your intentions and well-being.
Put on some chilled music, maybe sit outside in the fresh air and start reflecting on the most amazing moments in your life – those where you experienced intense joy or pride – and note them down. Then, reflect on those moments that really challenged you or caused you pain or discomfort and note them down. Most of the key moments in our life have a connection to a core value.
Once you recognise what those core values are (no more than 5-6), take some time to reflect on how they show up in your life, where they are challenged or compromised, and where you might need to make some adjustments. Keep those values in mind as you journey through 2023.
Amardeep Gill is the Founder of Build Your Now and is a Chair at Young Sikh Professionals Network (YSPN). Based in Meanjin (Brisbane), you can connect with him via Linkedin.
Monica Kalra is a Naarm-based (Melbourne-based) Divorce & Relationship Confidence Coach. You can connect with her via Linkedin or check out her website.
Indian by heritage and Australian by identity, Niti Nadarajah is a mother of two and a lawyer by profession. She is also the Founder of Coaching by Niti and Pink Elephants Ambassador. Based in Naarm (Melbourne), you can connect with her via Linkedin.
