Here we go again. Many (you are likely one of them) will be composing a list - even if it's just mental - of "New Year's Resolutions" that they plan to keep for the whole year of 2014. This list of "resolutions" usually consists of changes that require MAJOR discipline to make those changes which, also, are MAJOR.
Most of us also know that there are MAJOR problems in keeping these "resolutions". Many even joke about the fact that those "changes" (how can they be changes when nothing has changed?) won't last longer than a month or maybe even two, into the new year.
Gyms (work out facilities) will be swamped with new clients. One of my brothers started work for a company that had their own gym for their employees and he started right around the start of the year. He could hardly find machines available for his workout due to the crowded conditions. While talking to one of the workers at the gym the worker told him, "Don't worry. Give it about a month and you'll have access to any machine you want." And, he was right.
WHY?
Why do we do this? Why do we go through this yearly process only to fall extremely short each year?
Why do so many do nothing more than make a mental list of these changes that they say that they want to make?
Bottom line: we're not that serious about the whole thing! Oh, I can hear some of you almost yelling at me through the computer that you ARE serious and that there are just things that "get in the way" every year that prevents you from seeing your "resolution" through.
I also think that many are not serious because most do not understand what a "resolution" really is. We attempt these "resolutions" half-heartily (yes, I can still hear you) fully expecting that we won't stick to them for very long.
So, what IS a resolution?
Here is the definition of the word, resolve, from dictionary.com... "to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full."
"Resolve" is the root-word for "resolution". Go ahead and look up the definition for the word "resolution" and you will find a similar definition somewhere in that list given.
So, with all of that being said, let me give a few suggestions on making these resolutions which should also help you actually have a little more success at the changes that you wish to make:
1. Come to a DEFINITE or EARNEST decision about whatever it is that you desire to change. This would suggest a "whatever it takes" mentality! Too many give up too early and never see success. HINT: Make sure that this goal is something that, even though it may "push" you, will be something that is actually reachable.
2. Make a list of only ONE or maybe TWO "resolutions" on your list.
Too often we make too big of a list and do not dedicate ourselves to any of them fully. For example, if you have a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions, how can you be "definite" and "earnest" in all 10 of these? Honestly, you can't! SHORTEN YOUR LIST! Decide what really IS most important to you. Decide what you HAVE arrived at a "whatever it takes" attitude towards and then attack it full force.
3. BE SPECIFIC!
"I want to lose weight" or "I want to make more money" is not specific enough. In order for you to determine IF this goal is something that you CAN have the correct "whatever it takes" attitude about, you must get as specific as possible. One way to do that is to start with your end goal and work backwards. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds over the next 12 months then break that down to how many pounds per month that would be (4.2 lbs. per month) and then even go further than that and break it down per week by either dividing the 50 lbs. by 52 weeks OR by taking your pounds per month and dividing that by 4 to get an idea. Watch this: if you divide it by the 52 weeks then it comes out to only .9 lbs per week and if you divide your monthly figure by 4 it only comes out to 1.05 lbs. per week. Doesn't that help you see this goal in a whole new, REACHABLE light?
Do the same thing with money. Again, if you want to increase your income by $20,000 over the next 12 months you will find that this comes out to $1,666 per month or (divided by 52 weeks) $384 per week more. If you are DEFINITE in your resolve you WILL find a way to make this happen!
4. Stay away from ALL negativity!
Do not share your resolutions with ANYONE that will not support your decision. Do NOT share your goals with anyone that will say to you with a grin on their face, "Biting off a bit more than you can chew, aren't you?" You may be surprised at who may actually say that to you so, if you get surprised this way, STAY AWAY from that person if at all possible.
Search on the web or the library for books, recordings, articles about how to successfully achieve what it is that you are trying to achieve. BE CAREFUL IN YOUR SEARCH! Yes, there are a lot of people that prey, specifically, on New Year's resolutions.
5. DO NOT GIVE UP!
If you have followed the first 4 steps listed, then you should have the mentality in place and the DEFINITE mindset to achieve what it is that you wish to achieve. Will it be easy? Change is NEVER easy but, I do believe that by following these steps it will be "easier" than it has been for you in the past.
KNOW THIS: You DO have what it takes to achieve great things in your life!
Until next time, be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
