What’s so powerful about creating a personal ritual? Solonia Teodros, co-founder of The Change School, talks about the small steps that lead to positive habits and that major change you’ve been wanting…
As we start a new year, there’s no better time to start thinking about what positive changes you’ll be working on. What intentions, resolutions or goals will you set for yourself? What areas of your life do you want to improve? How will you make it happen?
Don’t fret if you don’t have immediate answers. Instead, find some time today to pause and ponder these questions and write down your reflections.
Maybe you’re considering a big, bold career change, planning a major move or relocation, or simply looking to create more balance in your life. No matter how big or small a change you’re looking to make, the journey to transformation is about knowing your priorities, harnessing positive and creative thinking, and putting them into action.
The best way to do this is by creating personal rituals for success that will help you manifest the changes you want to see in your Life/Work.
Why rituals?
Ritual acts give life meaning. The transformative power of rituals is that once they become apart of everyday life, we can reinforce and design our lives with…
Values
We ritualise the things we value – our beliefs, priorities, and the aspects of life/work that we feel are most important. Creating personal rituals not only reinforces the significance of your values, but also helps to strengthen your conviction and commitment to change and design your life in accordance with your values.
Meaning
Rituals, like routines, help to bring structure and form to our daily lives. But unlike the habits and routines we perform – often mindlessly or on autopilot (for example, brushing your teeth or constantly checking Facebook) – rituals are imbued with meaning and mindful practice grounded in values. Creating personal rituals invites a deeper sense of connection, intentionality and purpose into our lives.
Renewal
We live in a hyper-connected, over-stimulated, always-on world that often hinders our ability to avoid distractions, quiet the mind, and cultivate the discipline and focus it takes to make conscious and positive changes in our lives. Rituals assist you in renewing body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve your fullest potential for happiness, positive change, and success (as you define it).
Here are five small steps to help you harness the power of creating personal rituals.
You can also download our FREE Ritual Creation Worksheet from our Change School TV episode on Routines to Rituals: Living With Intention (watch it here!)
1. Set your intention
Think about key areas in your life where you’d like to improve your thoughts, attitude, or behaviour. Craft a simple, positive statement that describes the change you want to manifest in your Life/Work. For example: de-cluttering, getting organised, social relationships, family, finances, personal time, learning, creative/passion project, connecting with others.
2 . Visualise your ideal life
Take a moment to envision what change would look like in your Life/Work. Describe it in a few short sentences. For example: De-cluttering my home, workspace and calendar would bring more calm, personal time, productivity and meaningful interactions or activities to my life.
3. Start small (and build gradually)
Ask yourself: ‘What is one small action I can take right away to move me closer to my vision?’ For example: Spending 15 minutes a day to tackle one area of your home or work environment that you want to de-clutter, and start creating piles of ‘giveaways’, ‘throwaways’, ‘sell-aways’, and ‘keeps’. As with all big projects, the tasks become less daunting the moment you get started.
4. Create sacred time and space for your ritual
Repetition doesn’t have to be mundane or miserable. Remember that creating personal rituals is about doing what’s important and meaningful to you. Create a playlist, pour yourself a glass of wine, or light a scented candle as part of your ritual performance. Make it enjoyable – not a chore.
5. Keep at it (stay accountable)
Developing new rituals can seem difficult (or random) at first. What’s important is keeping consistent and accountable. Reach out to someone you trust – a friend, family member, partner or co-worker – who could act as your accountability ‘buddy’. Or think of a simple incentive you can treat yourself to each time you practise your ritual, until it becomes second nature!
Plan that change!
It’s always a good time to get yourself together. The Change School’s very first Change Planner is now available on Amazon, and is packed with features to help you build better habits, do what makes you happy, set your goals and smash them. See more of its clever features and images on Amazon…
