Two Simple Strategies to Make Room for More Happiness in 2011

“Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.” - Oprah Winfrey

I can’t believe it myself, but now that Thanksgiving is over, it means that we’re almost in December, the last month of 2010! Some of us have accomplished a lot this year, but some of us have a great deal more we wanted to do with our lives in 2010. For both groups though, there can be a tendency to put any further progress on hold until January 1, 2011 rolls around. I get the whole “fresh start” thing, but we just need to be realistic about how things will or will not change once the new year begins. For instance, if you’re ending 2010 with nothing but drama and negativity, then guess what? That’s what your 2011 is going to start out with, too.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do right now (and indeed, over the next five weeks) to make it more likely that your 2011 will start off the way you want it to. Hint: you’ll have to get rid of some things. Things that will hopefully serve to help you make room for the happiness you desire…

1. Say no. Are you overwhelmed with responsibilities at home, at work, and in your personal relationships? Maybe you find it hard to say “no” when people ask you for favors, even if you’d rather not. Even if you barely have enough time for yourself as it is. A great way to end 2010 is to start saying no to things you really and truly don’t want to do. Get rid of as many current commitments that no longer bring you joy or satisfaction. Start limiting any NEW commitments to people other than yourself. When you do this, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much better you’ll get at fulfilling the commitments in your life that you actually ARE jazzed about.

2. Let go. You will have a hard time succeeding in your goals for 2011 if you’re still holding on to the past. Maybe there are dying relationships that you’re hanging onto because you don’t want to be alone, or even out of guilt. Maybe there’s a dead-end job you’ve allowed yourself to stay in out of fear that you won’t find anything else. Let go of what needs to be let go. Do it now, before you lose your nerve. Before anyone tries to talk you out of it. Because once you release the baggage, the universe will conspire to bring so much more joy and happiness your way!

The real value of these two strategies is priceless. You will get your time back. You will get your mind back. And you will begin to streamline your life in such a way that allows you to make room for other, more amazing opportunities.

Have you tried either of these strategies in your own life? Would love to hear how they’ve impacted you!

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