CLEVELAND — Melanie Schmois is a certified life coach based here in Cleveland, but as an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy, she helps high-powered clients all over the country find that elusive balance between mind, body, and spirit.
"Our thoughts sort of kick off everything," Schmois explained. "Everything starts with a thought, an idea, so we just want to make sure that those thoughts are in a good place to create the results that you want in your life."
So how can you lay the groundwork for a great year ahead? Melanie shared a few easy tips with 3News Special Contributor Emily Mayfield. To start, Schmois says it's all about looking back.
"What I have my clients do oftentimes is just simply use their Facebook or Instagram feeds and kind of go through the pictures and the memories from the year before and really get excited about what memories they want to take with them into 2021," she told us. "[They should] leave behind what they weren't happy with so they can start with a clean slate."
Once you’ve walked down memory lane, Schmois says it’s time to find a path forward when it comes to goal-setting.
"I actually have a bit of a unique approach, in that I tell my clients it's not so much about actually hitting or achieving the goal; it's really more important who you're being in between the goal," she said. "Having a lot of that inner voice that's really negative, that's not really going to help you sustain a really good relationship with yourself."
To stay on top of your physical health, Melanie advocates choosing workouts that bring you joy. You're more likely to stick with something you look forward to.
Also, don’t forget about your spiritual side.
"Whether it's prayer or if it's more about a meditation practice or connecting to the universe in some way, [we should] carve out a little bit of time for that so we have a good holistic approach to our wellness," she said."
But in a high-pressured society, and in the middle of a pandemic, is it realistic to try to do it all? Not so fast, says Schmois.
"It's always about adding, adding, adding, but this year, I think we actually have to do less," she said. "If there's any time for self-compassion and self-love, it's now."