1) Wake up on purpose

Most people wake up in the morning like it’s an accident. Instead, set your alarm. As soon as the alarm goes off, get out of bed. The snooze button is one of the worst inventions of all time. You were made for greatness, not an extra five minutes of sleep. Your psyche knows that, and when you hit that button, you start off the day with deep-seated self-directed disgust. There is absolutely nothing good that comes from the snooze button, and from a philosophical, psychological, spiritual, and scientific perspective, it hurts you.

2) Change perspective

As soon as you are out of bed, sit on the floor or in a chair in your room. You may need a few minutes to wake up mentally, and that is understandable. DO NOT STAY IN BED. This is a valuable trick. This allows you to go through the mental wake up cycle without the danger of ruminating and driving in the sense of being a failure at something before your eyelids are even fully open.

3) Be aware

Use that time on the floor, or wherever you go after you jump out of bed to turn off the alarm, to practice a bit of mindfulness. Take one deep breath and pay attention to it as if your life depended on it.

If you’re already experienced with mindfulness, take a few breaths. I like to add a prayer before the breath, “Ever present God, here with me now, help me be here with you.”

4) Start a gratitude journal

This part might seem like a lot of work, but it really is a game changer. There are neurophysiological reasons for doing this. After your mind is working (maybe you’ve gotten a cup of tea or coffee or even just water at this point), sit down for five minutes with a journal. Write down three things you are grateful for in your life. Write down three more things that you hope to accomplish today. That’s it. Six simple thoughts. This practice every morning will literally change your brain.

5) Plan manageable changes

Think of your overall resolution, and then break it into 12 steps. This is the long term, actually-life-changing part of the plan. You will not change overnight. Most people overestimate what they can do in two months, and underestimate what they can do in two years. Real spiritual change, psychological change, physical change, or lifestyle change takes time. Do you want to change? Make it possible by breaking it down into steps. Then, work on each step for a month. Even if it seems like it will be painstakingly slow, I promise you it will be much better next year when New Year’s is rolling around to realize you actually changed something instead of just failing again like every other year. 

6) Choose wisely

Since you are trying to actually change something about your life, you are going to spend a lot of time (in the long run) with this change. Make sure you think and pray about what it is you want to change and really believe that it’s good for you. Think about why you are doing it, who you are doing it for, and what end it serves.

7) Have a buddy

Most people who try to change something on their own will fail. This is because human beings are made for community. We are built at the deepest level with a need for others. This also means that being plugged in with others actualizes our greatest potential. Whatever your resolution is this year, find someone who shares the same resolution – it doesn’t matter if you have any other kind of relationship.

That way you can work together to keep each other accountable and motivated specifically in the area of this resolution.

Staff Spotlight: Rachel Kottsick

This month we would like to highlight Rachel Kottsick (Physical Therapist) who was highly recommended by our Google Review Contest winner! 

Rachel graduated from the University of Mary in 2016 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, completing her clinical education in the areas of acute care, outpatient, and pediatric therapy. Immediately after graduating, Rachel joined the Therapy Solutions team, providing services in our skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinic.

Rachel’s areas of expertise/specialties/certifications include:

• Dry Needling
• Women’s Health

Why Rachel works for Therapy Solutions:

“Therapy Solutions has given me the opportunity to grow my knowledge, skills, and abilities. I have the ability to work with a variety of ages within different settings. Therapy Solutions offers an amazing work atmosphere with friendly, professional, and highly trained staff who are willing to work together for the benefit of clients. It is very evident at Therapy Solutions that we are all passionate about our field of work.”