Bustle and philosophy partnered to bring you New Year, New You .
Make 2015 a year of renewed focus and forward momentum toward achieving your own personal hopes and goals by taking the time to disconnect and look inward. It’s needless to say that today’s world is beyond connected at this point. Anyone can contact us at anytime, which leaves little time and energy for us to decompress and spend time alone to reflect on ourselves. We’re constantly expected to be on call, to answer emails, texts and tweets, and to work around the clock, lest someone perceive us as unambitious or lazy. It’s common to feel guilty when you do take time for a breather because as soon as you feel rested, you return to several accounts filled with messages and requests.
The truth is, sometimes we simply need to disconnect. We all need a few minutes — or several days — to take a break from the world. We should take the time to figure what we want, not what people want from us. By doing so, you can become the energized and optimistic version of you.
Focus on You
There really is nothing wrong with making time for yourself by putting aside outside requests and stresses. In the end, you need to work on you to be the best person you can be. Beyoncé didn’t become Beyoncé by focusing on everyone else’s needs. She achieved everything she has today by working hard and staying focused, all while having both the talent and drive necessary to achieve her own goals.
No one is saying you need to cut out other people in your life or become a self-absorbed monster — it’s actually quite the opposite. When you make yourself a priority, you become better equipped to share your talents and abilities with others in a healthy, positive way. Reading your favorite book, taking a bath, exercising in the morning — whatever “taking time to yourself” means to you — renews you from the inside out. With your newfound focus and energy, you’ll have the brain power you need to kick butt at the office or be your most enthusiastic self at your volunteer position.
Take the Time You Need
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily tasks of life — especially those that involve other people. You promised your mom you’d go shopping, you told your brother you would correct his college essay, your friend needs to vent about a breakup, etc. And while you truly care about all these people, there comes a point where you will no longer be able to give 100 percent of yourself 100 percent of the time. When you stretch yourself too thin, you’re not your best self. Being unable to commit your whole self to a task doesn’t help anyone in the end.
Now that the holidays are over, it’s a good time to refocus on your own life. It can be difficult, for sure, especially if you’re the type of person that gives and gives and gives. But it’s the perfect moment to really figure out what you want to accomplish and make the time to put it into action. With the social obligations of the holidays finally over, you have the chance to take the time to do all the things you’ve been pushing aside. It’s the time for real renewal.
Help Yourself to Help Others
When you take time to do you, you will become a better sister, daughter, girlfriend, and friend in a more holistic and complete way. You’ll recognize what you need in life and what you’re capable of giving. You come to terms with the fact that there are only 24 hours in each day, and a certain number of them should be reserved to accomplishing what you want to get done. And everyone around you will be happier for it.
Especially you.
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