Affirm It: 2023 Will Be A No-Waste New Year

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There are several articles stating Americans are the most wasteful people on the planet. Ouch. That definitely hurts. We are known to waste millions of tons of resources each year, whether it is intentional or not. While that is not a superlative we want to win, we can use it as a fuel for change in our personal lives. The articles made me made me think; what else are we wasting? We can easily measure the physical waste, but what about those things that are intangible? 2023 has begun. One of my personal New Year’s goals is to decrease waste in every area of my life. I strongly encourage you to do the same. Here is a list of things we should stop wasting immediately if we want this year to be AMAZING.

Time

Whew. Nothing is more aggravating than someone or something wasting your time. Time is one of those things you can never get back once it is gone. We value time because it is precious, and we truly do not know how much we have here on Earth. Yet, knowing this information, we often find ourselves in situations where we are wishing we had that time back. Sometimes, we are not aware our time is about to be wasted. For example, we wait in line for a roller coaster for forty minutes only for it to be closed due to a mechanical issue once you reach the front of the line.

On other occasions, we let time slip away from us when we choose to catch-up on our favorite tv shows instead of doing a task with an approaching deadline. When the choice is up to us, we need to make sure we use our time wisely. We should also be intentional to use it in ways that are meaningful to us. That includes choosing a career path where we are not spending long hours at a job that serves no other purpose besides financial gain. It also means prioritizing time with our loved ones, being productive, reaching goals, vacationing and taking care of ourselves. If it seems like it will be a waste of time, leave it right where it is. We have no time to waste. We have big boss moves to make this year.

Energy

We have all wasted our energy on people, places and things that were underserving of it. It really goes hand-in-hand with wasting time as both are being used simultaneously. Think about how many times you have left a situation or conversation feeling mentally, physically or spiritually depleted. This year let’s put all of our energy into the positive and important lanes that are necessary for our happiness, growth and well-being.

Whether it is a draining relationship, unnecessary drama or toxic environments, do not give it a platform in your life. If you feed the negative “trolls” of life, they will grow and demand more of your attention. Carefully evaluate everything and look for the sneaky sources that may be stealing your power without you noticing. Create a maximum amount of attention you are willing to provide each area of your life. Most importantly, do not give in. If it requires you to cut ties, so be it. We have no energy to spare over the next 12 months. In order for you to live your best life, your energy needs to be channeled into those life-changing goals you have set.

Money

Financial stability, wealth and/or financial freedom can probably be found on all our lists of goals for the New Year. One of the barriers to accomplishing these goals is the lack of financial responsibility. We often waste money on products and services that are not necessary. Some of us do not like making sacrifices when we have financial goal in mind. This year, saving should be a priority. For real this time. There are plenty of templates and suggestions to save money daily, weekly or monthly that are realistic and achievable.

We should also strive to spend more wisely, make smart investments and limit our splurges. Your business idea cannot be funded if you have already spent too much money. Your dream vacation cannot be executed as planned if your account is empty. Let’s stop putting money where it doesn’t belong and create the financial space we desire. We have that power. So that means no negative accounts in 2023. No more debt piling up. No more living beyond our means. If we follow this recipe, this year will be much greener.

Skills and Talents

We have all been gifted with an ability, skill, talent or knowledge. That gift is valuable and should be used frequently. Unfortunately, many of us fall into one of two categories: we do not think we have anything special or we are aware of our skill, but it is not being utilized. For those in the first category, you must toss out the notion that you are void of something the world needs. Each of us has a special ability, no matter how big, small or noticeable it may be. Think about your interests. Why are you drawn to the things that excite you? What is something that brings you peace or happiness when you indulge? The answers to these questions could lead you straight to the skill you have inside.

It does not have to be the traditional talents that you have in mind. Maybe you are extremely patient and work well with younger children. That is definitely a skill. Maybe you have photographic memory. That is an ability most of us wish we had. Discovering the gift embedded within you requires a deep self-evaluation. Set some quiet time aside to do this. Even if it takes a while, it will be completely worth it. You will reach a new level of satisfaction. Also, someone, somewhere needs what you have. Find it and share it limitlessly.

For those who already know what you are good at, how are you using it to improve your life and the lives of others? If you have an impressive knowledge about gardening, do you have your own? Are you willing to teach others about gardening in your own blog (created through a wonderful site like Bluehost) or YouTube videos?

I find that many have more than one gift, but they are sitting on the proverbial shelf collecting dust. This may happen because we focus on other things such as our day job, leaving no time to develop and use our skills. This year make it a priority to use that special something to enhance your life. You could discover a new hobby to enjoy during your self-care, or even use that ability to start a business and make a profit. Either way, we are not letting our gifts go unused. Stop sitting on those art techniques you have mastered. Start that band. Write that book.  The possibilities are endless. The resulting happiness is worth chasing.

Resources and Connections

Finally, we could all probably scale back on our wastefulness of resources. Water, food, paper, plastic and a host of other items tend to get overused and trashed unnecessarily.  Sometimes it is not on purpose. Other times, it could be due to the lack of gratitude for what we have. We take these goods for granted because we feel there is an endless supply of them. Whatever the reason, choose to be more mindful this year. Think about your impact on the environment. Try recycling. Consider donating instead of tossing items you no longer want. Let’s make a point to be more resourceful with everything we have been blessed with.

Another resource we tend to neglect is our connections. That is, the relationships established through networking. Oftentimes, when we begin a new chapter or start a new business venture at the beginning of the year, we forget or underutilize the people we know who may have knowledge about the topic at hand. When that happens, we try to do it on our own. You may still be successful but seeking the input from someone with expertise could have saved you time, resources and trouble.

Do not be afraid to reach out to that acquaintance who has traveled around the world like you plan to do. Send an email to the makeup artist who owns the salon you dream about opening. You cannot be afraid to initiate conversations; your goals depend on it. If you do not have many connections, add networking to your list of goals for the year. Wasting your access to these crucial resources could make or break the major accomplishments you plan to achieve.

As you can see, we have so much to gain when we no longer waste those important things that impact our lives. Being aware and making better choices this year could catapult us into the best version of ourselves. We will be overflowing in peace, happiness, success, wealth and growth. Who doesn’t want that?