Rivers have a way of renewing themselves. Rain comes. Snow melts. Water rises and falls. Sediment moves. New channels emerge. What appears to be the same river is constantly changing. Maybe our lives should work the same way.

The grind of life can wear us down slowly. Responsibilities accumulate. Habits become routines. Routines become ruts. And before long, we can find ourselves living a life we never consciously chose.  We simply keep doing what we have been doing and don’t think too deeply about it.

That is why I have increasingly come to believe in the importance of renewal.

About twenty years ago, I stopped drinking Coke, Pepsi and Mountain Dew. It wasn't a dramatic life event. My wife convinced me it wasn’t helping me become the person I wanted to be, and she was right.

Over time, I began reading more each day. I became more intentional about my faith. Small adjustments, repeated for years, can ultimately change the direction of a life.

Every December, I try to take stock of my life and establish goals for the year ahead. And every few years, I have found it helpful to tackle something significant.  Going back to school to get a master’s degree, writing a book, starting a business or organizing a family reunion. These larger undertakings disrupt our normal patterns. They force us to learn, stretch and see ourselves differently.

Researchers studying what they call the “fresh start effect” have found that natural landmarks like Mondays, birthdays, the beginning of a month or a new year can create psychological separation from our past and increase motivation to pursue goals. One recent study found that the ability to disengage from goals that no longer serve us is associated with improved well-being.

A few ideas for you to consider today might be:

Daily renewal might be twenty quiet minutes before sunrise with a cup of coffee.

Weekly renewal could be walking around the lake with your spouse, attending church or spending time outdoors.

Monthly renewal might mean taking a morning to think, read and ask whether your calendar still reflects your priorities.

Annual renewal could include a physical examination, finding a mentor to learn something new, or setting goals for the year ahead. Am I still doing the work I am called to do? Are the people I love getting the best of me? Is there something important I have been postponing?

To me the truth about renewal is the fact we aren't machines designed to run indefinitely.  We need physical renewal. Mental renewal. Emotional renewal. Spiritual renewal.

For me, I was reminded of this 2 weeks ago when I was walking a river with a friend while fly-fishing in Colorado. Here at home, I love walking around West Okoboji with my wife. Reading something that challenges my thinking. Sitting quietly before sunrise and seeing the day emerge gives me the opportunity for gratitude in my life.

The important thing isn't how you renew yourself. It is recognizing that renewal needs to happen.

So ask yourself:

What in my life is restoring me, and what is slowly draining me?

What small adjustment would make my life better if I sustained it for the next ten years?

What have I outgrown that I am still carrying?

What adventure, challenge or calling might be waiting for my next season?

What renews my soul and am I making enough room for it?

A fulfilling life isn't about how far we travel down the river. Sometimes we need to find a quiet bank, take stock of where we are, and decide how we want to enter the water again.

Tony Thelen is the founder of The River Coaching and Consulting, LLC, an executive coaching firm based in West Okoboji. He is the author of "Am I Doing This Right?" and "Things We Desire." He works with CEOs, business owners, and executives to remove pain, anxiety, and stress while making room for true personal and professional growth. Contact Tony at [email protected] or learn more at www.therivercoach.org