Take 10

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10 Minutes a Day to Fresh Start

By Carole Anderson
Jan 27 2006

While we've reached the point in 2006 when many a new year's resolution has been broken, there is still something fascinating about starting a new year. The idea of a new year gets us all reflecting on the old one and what we want different in the months ahead. It gives the idea of freshness and the opportunity to change what isn't working, and makes us determine to try harder this time around.

While the idea of a fresh start is nice, none of us really get a completely new start. A new start is actually difficult, for even if we changed our identity and moved to a different place, we would still take ourselves with us.

Therein lies the catch. As the saying goes, "Wherever you go, there you are." More often than not, it is ourselves that mess us up.

The human psyche can only adjust to so much change before it is overwhelmed. So while the idea of a completely new start is nice, it isn't likely to happen and none of us would do very well with it even if we got it. Chances are very great we might make the same mistakes over again unless we've done some serious work on who we are and how we live, feel, choose, relate, work and think.

We do, however, get a few things that resemble fresh starts. The new year is a fresh start, each day is a new start, the week is a new start and so is the month. Even this moment can be a new start. Each of these times allows us to look at where we are, where we want to be and to make some adjustments. Unfortunately, many never look at these as fresh beginnings, instead continuing to run in the direction they first began, even if it is the wrong one. The path has been laid and it takes energy to start a new one.

Often, people don't take their opportunities for new beginnings and fresh starts or they easily become discouraged when their resolutions are starting to fade from memory. This is often because people are looking at making large changes - losing 50 pounds, transforming relationships, finding a new career, etc. Large change is not usually created by making huge changes all at once but, more often than not, by small increments that amount to huge outcomes over time.

Think about it. What would be the effect if you spent 10 minutes a day focused on your "fresh start," whatever that is. Just 10 minutes a day focusing on defining, dreaming and planning to reach your goals. Sounds too simple - or maybe not.

What if you went from not exercising to exercising 10 minutes a day?

What if you spent 10 minutes thinking and planning for your food choices for the next day? Where would your weight be in a year?

What if you spent 10 minutes thinking about the needs of your spouse and how you could love them more effectively or visibly?

What if you spent 10 minutes a day reading how you could be a better parent? What would be the effect on your marriage or your relationship with your kids?

What if you spent 10 minutes a day focused on developing your character? Your spiritual self?

What if you took just 10 minutes a day to take a deep breath and clear your mind and soul?
What if you took just 10 minutes in prayer and meditation? What would be the effect on your stress level?

What if you took 10 minutes to make the world a better place?

What if you took 10 minutes to let yourself cool down?

What if... What if...?

After a while, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Just 10 minutes.

Carole Anderson is a registered psychologist practising in Port Moody, BC.