Dear Friends,
I really like the quote at the top of the page from T.S. Eliot - it nicely sums up how I think about the old year and the New Year. Once again we get to start off with a fresh slate (at least that's how I like to look at it) and usually a major part of that is making a few resolutions to remind of us the things we want to do less of as well as things we want to do more of. As I'm sure you know, the major problem with resolutions it's not the making of them, it's the keeping them part that most of us struggle with.
In this year's newsletters I'd like to focus on specific ways that we can make small changes in ourselves that will make all of us and our lives better.
To get the ball rolling we start off this month with 8 tips that will help you keep your resolutions. If you don't make resolutions that's okay but these tips will help you stick to keeping any goals you do make!
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Before I get started with the tips, here's a pre-tip: First, you have to forget all about any other resolutions you've made that you haven't kept! That's the beauty of the fresh slate! If you hold any negative thoughts in your mind they'll only prevent you from doing better this year. Okay, on with the tips!
Make a serious conscious decision about what it is that you want to change. Picture in your mind exactly what will be different about you when you make that change - focus and clarity will help you succeed. Once you have that picture put aside any doubts you have about making the change. The simple fact is that you CAN do it!
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Now do your best to try and talk yourself out of doing it. Think of every excuse you may make as to why you're not doing it. If you haven't succeeded in talking yourself out of it then it's time to take the next step and put it in writing. Write down not just what you want to do, also include why you want to do it. Make sure to include the benefits and how you will be rewarded.
Next, think about the sacrifices you will have to make. You've looked at the benefits, now you have to think about the "costs". Compare the two and make sure you feel that it's worth it.
Write out your resolution again, but this time write it down in the present tense. Instead of writing "I want to exercise three times a week…" write down "I am exercising three times a week." Write your resolution down every day in detail! Everyone sets goals but only 5% of people write them down. A study by Harvard University showed that the 5% that do write them down are vastly more successful than those that don't.
You also need to specify what you will need to attain your goal. If your goal is to exercise more then you have to specific about what you need to do to accomplish that. Do you need to join a gym, leave for work earlier so you can get off earlier, etc.? After you've identified exactly what you will need, ask yourself "Am I ready and willing to get started now?"
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